The art of embroidery is considered to be one of the most ancient ways of ornamenting clothes and household items. This handicraft has been dated to the 5th-3rd century BC in China. Embroidered clothing had been a mark of wealth in such cultures as India, Byzantium, Persia and medieval Europe. It is mostly used on dress shirts, blankets, stockings, table-linens, towels, skirts, belts and other stuff.  » Read more..

A special position is occupied by motanka dolls (or knotted dolls) among traditional Ukrainian souvenirs. Such old folk dolls are believed to be warding charms of the family, to keep evil spirits away. Motanka doll is not considered to be just a souvenir; it is one of the most ancient family symbols and charms of the Ukrainian family. The secrets of “how-to-make” motanka dolls were hoarded in every family. Unchanged tradition does to this day, and charming Ukrainian ladies often get their own motanka dolls as a gift. » Read more..

Today we are keeping up to talk about a wide variety of different Ukrainian souvenirs. Surely you would surf the Internet to find out the most appropriate wooden craft to gift after our yesterday review. And now after wood its turn to the next popular crafting in Ukraine. Next comes a review of ceramic souvenirs and it is well worth looking at. » Read more..

When visiting Ukraine, tourists always tend to buy something remarkable in order to retain their impressions and memories. Buying souvenirs is a perfect way to accomplish this. Either keeping souvenirs at home or presenting them to your friends in order to share your impressions with them helps to preserve your memories about the country you visited. Ukraine is no exception.

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How to find out what would be your marriage? How to ensure that it will be happy?

It is not so difficult as it seems for the first sight. You just should compare your family to your girlfriend’s one. If the family values are similar, your future marriage has great chance to be successful. So let’s talk on Step2Love about family values in Ukraine. » Read more..

There are some traditions and customs in every culture people should know to avoid the embarrassment or an awkward situation. Ukrainian traditions are no exceptions.  They are similar enough to Western traditions, considering similar life goals and values and moral standards. However, every nation has its own national character, superstitions and lifestyle. Some of these traditions may sound to another culture strange enough and a little bit irrational. It will be remembered that other’s traditions and superstitions are neither good nor bad; they are just cultural patterns “as is”. » Read more..

Every country has its own Flag Day. This celebration vividly reflects the sovereignty of the country, its independence and self-esteem. The flag is the national symbol displayed around the country, the thing that makes every person proud. And now the riddle: what is the only country which flag to fly over a whole continent? See the answer below » Read more..

First Monday in September? (Clue: it’s a federal holiday) So what is the question? Let’s commemorate Labor Day together!

Father: Do you know most people don’t have to work today, because it’s Labor Day.

Son: If people are not working, shouldn’t we call today ‘No-Labor Day?’ » Read more..

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” ~Mary Lou Cook

There are some crafts that accompany mankind for more than several thousand years. Ceramics and pottery are among that number. Since men had learnt the secret of a piece of clay and began to handle the clay, they opened the new age of civilization. A quite ordinary, unattractive-looking piece of clay became the best gift for people. In meant all – warm cooking, primitive decorations, toys for children, and – last but not least – a possibility to remind their descendants about ancestors through statues and rite things. The oldest known pottery dates to 20,000 BC, at the height of the ice age, long before the beginnings of agriculture. Pottery became part of a culture and maintains his position yet.

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