--- title: "6 cultural norms you didn’t know about Ukraine" description: "A country that’s seemingly young, especially in Europe, Ukraine culture has a number of surprises under its sleeve." date: "2022-04-06" modified: "2023-04-04" authors: - name: "Bethaney Phillips" job_title: "Contributor, Veteran Spouse" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/bethaneyphillips/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/6-cultural-norms-you-didnt-know-about-ukraine/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Travel" tags: - "Europe" - "Ukraine" --- # 6 cultural norms you didn’t know about Ukraine ![Young women and girls dressed in traditional Eastern European folk costumes, featuring embroidered white blouses, colorful beaded necklaces, and floral wreaths with ribbons on their heads. They are standing close together in a group, with some people visible in the background.]() A country that’s seemingly young, especially in Europe, [Ukraine culture has a number of surprises under its sleeve](). For instance, in one form or another, the country has actually been around for centuries, since ​​879. Despite its current status which was formed in 1991, the entity has a far richer, and far older, culture than most realize. ## Take a look at these interesting bits of Ukraine culture and see what we can learn from them in the modern-day. ### 1. Its culture is heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church ![ukraine culture tapestry]() *A tapestry of Ukraine with traditional tapestry designs.* Other players include Slavic mythology, as well as Russian and Belarusian cultures. With so many governmental adjustments over the decades, Ukraine has been introduced to many [different cultures and religions](). However, many Ukrainians, especially in generations past, fought hard to keep their original traditions alive. ### 2. Ukrainians celebrate many non-religious holidays ![ukraine culture christmas]() *A depiction of Christmas with native history in place.* The most popular ones include: Vechornysti, a gathering of young people to tell jokes, play music, eat and meet romantic partners. It’s most commonly celebrated in fall, after agriculture work has ceased. Kupala Night, the shortest day of the year, usually toward the beginning of July. To celebrate, Ukrainians collect herbs, light bonfires, and bathe in the river. Malanka, where young men gather to sing Christmas carols in order to keep bad spirits away. They are joined by one elder and each carries a stick as they sing from midnight on Christmas Eve until dawn. Maslenitsa week, where they celebrate the end of winter, eat pancakes for an entire week, and celebrate with time outside with family and friends. We’re totally down for the pancake idea! A popular saying when they gather translates to, “Together we are many! We cannot be defeated!” ### 3. Refused proposals are met with a pumpkin In order to propose, Ukrainian men arrive at their intended's parents' home and “bargain” for their hand in marriage. Traditionally, actual prices would be negotiated, along with goods that could be exchanged to prove the bride’s value. If the proposal was denied by either the potential bride or the family, the groom was sent home with a pumpkin. This was so he wouldn’t leave empty-handed. Therefore, seeing a man walking with a pumpkin, likey with a frown, means he was turned down. ### 4. They distrust the government Just 12% of Ukrainians are said to have trust in leading officials. There is much corruption in Ukraine, leading to a common lack of faith. They have common sayings about disobeying rules, especially traffic laws. ### 5. They wear their hearts on their sleeve ![ukraine culture kupala night]() *Ukrainians celebrating Kupala Night.* Stereotypically, Ukrainians are known for being loud, emotional and extremely friendly. They never met a person they didn’t know, and aren’t afraid to tell you what they’re feeling in the moment. At least, that’s a common association of the culture. ### 6. "New" New Years and "Old" New Years Yes in Ukraine, they celebrate twice. Due to a discrepancy when they were changing calendars from Julian to Gregorian, there were two dates listed New Year’s Day. Not wanting to miss out on a chance to celebrate, they now simply do it twice. ## Author Bethaney Phillips has contributed to We Are the Mighty and MilSpouseFest since 2015, covering history and military family topics. She also served as the Interim Content and Digital Manager at MilSpouseFest in 2021. Now a veteran spouse, she spent six years in an active duty family and served as an SFRG leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, she has more than 15 years of experience in digital and print writing, focusing on researched pieces and human interest stories. She is also a regular contributor to Business Insider, covering family and parenting topics. Her work has been included on Business Insider, Yahoo, Military.com, and Manhattan Magazine. While continuing to freelance, she works as the founding editor of the Clay County Regional, a print and digital newspaper delivered to more than 5,500 recipients. She also serves as the Digital Director/News Director for Taylor Communications out of north-central Kansas. Bethaney spends her free time chasing her two elementary-aged boys, raising chickens, and reading fiction. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [WWW]()