.png "Globaneer"){kind=logo}
Category Archives: Events and Festivals
Independence Day of Ukraine
Ukrainian Flag and Emblem
This date is connected with the adoption of the Independence Act in 1991 by the Ukrainian government. The act of proclamation of independence of Ukraine was drafted on August 24, 1991 and approved on the 1st of December, 1991 through a national vote. The first Independence Day was celebrated on the 16th of July, 1991, because on this day one year ago, the government of Ukrainian Soviet Socialistic Republic adopted the Act of Sovereignty which was the first step for making an independence state. In 1992, on the 20th of February, the Ukrainian government decided to celebrate the Independence Day on the 24th of August.
Ukraine (Ukrainian Soviet Socialistic Republic) was part of the USSR till 1991. Nowadays, Ukraine is a presidential parliament republic; the head of the state is the President who is elected for the period of 5 years. The Ukrainian president guards the people’s freedom and state security, he is the Commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army.
What about the national symbols of Ukraine? The state emblem of Ukraine is a trident; the national flag of Ukraine consists of two stripes (blue on the top and yellow on the bottom) symbolizing peaceful blue sky and yellow wheat field. Our national anthem is called “Ukraine is still living” (words by P. Chubynsky, music by M. Verbytsky).
There are also spiritual national symbols of Ukraine such as the willow tree and guilder rose. They say “There is no Ukraine without willow tree and guilder rose”.
Kalyna: Guilder Rose
How do we celebrate Independence Day? Every year there is a festive parade and concert dedicated to the Independence Day. But this year (2012) instead of military parade there will be parade of people in national clothing.
There is no doubt Independence Day is an integral part of Ukrainian culture, because attaining independence was one of the way to introduce Ukraine and Ukrainians to the world.
Written by: Oksana Koval
To Mothers All Over the World
Mother’s Day is an event that is celebrated to honour, love and respect our mothers globally. It is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of the month May. Although in many countries it is celebrated in Ferbruary, March and April as well.
A Mother is that woman who gives birth to us, raises us, listens to us, smiles at us and tells us that it is okay every time there is something wrong; gives us breakfast, makes dinner for us, listens to us when we yell at her telling her that we want something better to eat, pats our backs when we don’t get the first place in our class and tells us that we did great anyway, buys good clothes for us. In short she is always there for us and wants what is best for us because she knows us more than anyone else in this world.
Without moms we would be nothing. She is our best friend when we need one. She is a good listener when we need someone to talk to. She has our back when other people stab it. She is one in a million.
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people,
promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
To mothers all over the world: Happy Mother’s Day! You deserve not just one day but all 365 days of our lives. Because you dedicate yours to your children.
To mothers all over the world: May you all smile because your children give you reasons to. Just like you give us a reason to smile each time we look at you and are relieved that you are there.
To mothers all over the world: Thank you. 
Written by: Amna Javed
Malanka
Malanka Costumes (source: http://uocvancouver.com/church/)
Malanka is a Ukrainian folk holiday celebrated on January 13th, which is New Year’s Eve according to the Julian calendar. Malanka commemorates the feast day of St. Melania. On this night in Ukraine, carolers traditionally go from door to door playing pranks or acting out a small play with a bachelor dressed in women’s clothing leading the troop.
Malanka caps off the festivities of the Christmas holidays, and is often the last opportunity for partying (in the past) before the solemn period of Lent which precedes Easter.
New Year in Ukraine
Ded Moroz
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is definitely the favorite holiday among the Ukrainians. We have a saying that a person will spend the new year the way he/she has welcomed it. So everybody tries to do their best and make their New Year’s eve memorable and special. To celebrate the New Year, Ukrainians decorate the New Year Tree, present each other with gifts, send cards and cook festive dinners (usually a festive dinner consists of Ukrainian dishes). Then it is time to make the wishes and resolutions for the next year. You’ll have to make them exactly a few minutes before midnight to make them true.
