Ukrainian Culture: An Introduction - By Anna, A Local Ukrainian

Ukraine is a huge country, with a very complex, turbulent and fascinating history. Ukrayina means ‘borderland’, and its borders have indeed been occupied partially by a number of powerful empires through the centuries. A large part of Ukrainian territory consist of an open, unprotected and very fertile lands of ‘steppes’, which remain extremely tempting to invaders. However, even during the times of the Soviet era, Ukrainians developed their own beautiful, melodic language, and a distinctive culture and cuisine.

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has been finally recognised as an independent state, with its nation striving to live in a peaceful country, driven by rule of democracy and freedom. Ukrainian values and a way of life had been dramatically compromised since Russia invaded the country on the 24.02.2022.

My name is Anna, I am a Ukrainian, born and raised in Poland. My family’s Ukrainian values and traditions have been a constant presence in my upbringing; I also have some relatives currently living in Ukraine.

I cannot describe the shock, the horror, the constant feelings of anxiety and desperation that I am experiencing today. It is unbearable to imagine how Ukrainians must be feeling having to flee their country out of fear for their lives, leaving the loved ones, leaving anything that is dear, familiar and comforting behind, and having to rely on humanitarian aid and generosity and the huge hearts of people around the world for support.

It is too difficult to talk about the current situation without bursting into tears, everyone who is able to access the News would be aware of the shear horror and massacre that is currently taking place in Ukraine under the Putin’s order.

I feel so privileged, proud, happy and overwhelmed by the generosity of the British people and my Stapleton/Frenchay community. The willingness to support, volunteer, raise money and host Ukrainian women and children fleeing the horror of the war, is truly amazing.

Ukrainians are not that different to any other European nations in terms of life and family values, and work ethics. People are friendly and hospitable, interested in different cultures and educated. However, people fleeing the war currently and most likely having had experienced multiple distressing situations of seeing their loved ones and homes destroyed, experiencing death and having just gone through the extremely difficult journeys to safety - would most likely be extremely traumatised. Despite feeling the enormous gratitude to hosting families in the UK, Ukrainian refugees might not be in a place to be fully integrated in your family life straight away from the moment they enter your welcoming doors. They would mostly need support, care and compassion, but also time and space to heal and pause.

Some practical advice:

Basic phrases:

· Hello! – Pry-vit!

· Greetings! – Vi-ta-ju!

· Good morning! – Do-bro-ho ran-ku!

· Good afternoon! – Do-bro-ho dnja!

· How are you doing? – Jak sja ma-jesh?

· How are you? – Jak spra-vy?

· I’m fine, thanks! – Do-bre, dja-ku-ju!

· And you? – A v te-be?

· So-so – Ne du-zhe.

· What is your name? – Jak te-be zva-ty?

· My name is… - Me-ne zva-ty…

· Nice to meet you! – ra-dyj po-zna-jo-my-ty-sja!

· How old are you? – Skil-ky tobi ro-kiv?

· Nice to meet you! – Du-zhe pry-jem-no!

· Do you need help? – Vam do-po-moh-ty?

· Thank you! – Dja-ku-ju!

· You are welcome! – Bud’ las-ka!

· Excuse me! – Pe-re-pro-shu-ju!

· Yes – Tak

· No – Ni

· Today – S’o-hod-ni

· Tomorrow – Zav-tra

· Yesterday – Vcho-ra

· Bye! – Bu-vaj!

· See you tomorrow! – Do zav-tra!

· Take care! – Bud’-te zdo-ro-vi!

Food:

The national dish of Ukraine is ‘Borscht’, which is a beet soup/stew. However, ‘Varenyky’ (boiled dumplings similar to pierogi) and a type of cabbage roll known as ‘Holubtsi’ are also national favourites and are a common meal in a traditional Ukrainian house. Often meals consist of staple potatoes/meet/veg combination, also buckwheat, barley or millet, some dishes are similar to a Mediterranean cuisine, usually not too spicy. Open sandwiches often consumed for breakfast (in a similar way to Scandinavian countries), and cereal (kasza) with milk.

I am sure that Ukrainian refugees would appreciate any help they receive, and having them in your home could provide a great opportunity for everyone to learn about each other’s culture, ways of life and cuisine!

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity and wish all the best to my lovely community of Stapleton/Frenachay and beyond, and to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your generosity!

Anna