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”.

Also, superstitions in Ukraine are an integral part of Ukrainian lifestyle. You should remember, though, that superstitions in Western and Eastern Ukraine are quite different. Well, think about social dos and don’ts considering Ukrainian superstitions.

Don’ts:

– When you are buying flowers for your Ukrainian lady, make sure the number of flowers is odd. An even number is believed to be used for a funeral.

– You must never buy or give away things for newborn baby until the baby is born. Buying and choosing baby’s clothes, toys, furniture and other needful things is believed to be a bad omen.

– You should never leave an empty bottle on the table. It needs to be taken out, almost always under the table.

– Don’t whistle while indoors. Whistling in such a way is believed to be a sign to lose a large sum of money.

– Don’t lend and borrow some money after the sundown. It also concerns food, especially salt.

– You must not put your feet up to the table, it is considered behaving rude.

Dos:

– When entering a home, you should pull your shoes and leave it at the door.  One doesn’t wear shoes inside. You may be offered some slippers instead of.

– It is good practice to bring a small gift if you are invited to visit a home. It is up to you what to choose – it may be a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or a small souvenir. Your gift must not be expensive; it could put the hosts in a spot.

– You should sit and keep silence for a minute if you are going to leave your house for a trip. (It will help you to remember about cards, tickets and documents, haha)

– When you meet two people of the same name, stand between them and try to wish for something.

– If you meet a black cat or a woman with an empty pail crossing your way, it’s to worse luck.