There is no true Ukrainian bride who can’t cook borscht – one of the magic dishes of Ukrainian cuisine. Borscht (also borsch, bortsch, borstch, borsh, borshch) is the main element of Ukrainian traditions. Ancient Ukrainians believed that the souls of ancestors lived in the steam of borscht, that’s why it was served very hot. Cold borscht was a symbol of lack of respect for the guest. Hot borscht was not only the nutritious dish but also meant happiness and understanding in the family and connection to ancestors. That’s why borscht is the traditional dish at the funerals. » Read more..

Rushnyk is a highly decorated traditional Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian towel with ornamental patterns. The word “rushnyk” comes from the word “ruka” which means “hand”.
Rusnyk is not just an embroidered towel, it is a symbol of Ukraine which connects people with their ancestors, protect and preserves them! Every rushnyk is like a novel about life, nature, people and traditions. Rushnyk was used as a ward, a traditional part of every rite and as a house decoration. » Read more..

Bride kidnapping or marriage by abduction is a practice throughout history and around the world in which a man abducts the woman he wants to marry. Today bride kidnapping is only a cheerful ritual at the all Slavic weddings but not everybody knows that tradition of stealing a future bride has the ancient roots. » Read more..

Ukrainian wedding is not only the colorful and bright family holiday but also a ritual action which means revival and a new life of two people. Nowadays people have a lot of choices how to celebrate their wedding, but in ancient Ukraine there were a lot of regulations and customs which had to be considered during the wedding.
Songs were one of the most important things on the traditional Ukrainian wedding. Wedding songs accompanied and explained every stage of the celebration. » Read more..