Most countries have their unique customs related to hospitality. For example, Ukraine has a welcoming tradition called “Bread and salt.” Shared with other countries and nations, including different Slavic, Nordic, and Middle Eastern cultures, it means offering a loaf of bread and salt as a sign of great respect to a person they meet. In every Ukrainian house, bread and salt placed on a rushnyk (an embroidered ritual cloth) are a necessary attribute. Taking a rushnyk, kissing bread, and eating a salted piece of bread symbolized spiritual unity, harmony, and...
Magic Old New Year fortune telling – 6 tasty ways to find out your fate
The holiday period from January 7 to 19 is considered special in Ukraine. Ukrainian ancestors believed that during this time the fate could open its secrets and mysteries, so they tried to get answers to the most personal questions. They found out about the future from various folk sayings and divination. The Old New Year is celebrated on January 13. The Old New Year evening, which is also called Generous, was deemed to be one of the best days for fortune telling. What’s interesting, both unmarried girls and young...
Tips to get ready for a successful New Year. Ukrainian traditions and customs
The night of 31st December to 1st January – is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. This is the time when you finish one stage of life, get rid of unnecessary, and get ready to move forward. On the whole, the time from 21st December to 7th January is energetically strong and it is very important to refine and clean oneself as well as do away with everything bad, old, and useless – both in material and spiritual spheres. Old things that...