Ukraine
Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe. During history, it was an important site of Slavic expansion and its culture and cuisine present us a unique blend of Slavic, Orthodox Christian, Communist, and Jewish influences. Grab your kids and let’s learn about Ukraine!
QUICK STATS
Ukraine is a country is Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the east and northeast; Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest. On its south and southwest, Ukraine has a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
A brief history for kids to learn about Ukraine
Human settlements in the land that is now Ukraine date as far back as 32,000 BC. It is believed to be where horses were first domesticated and is considered to be the birthplace of the Proto-Indo-European language.
The area had been populated by Indo-European tribes since the 3rd millennium BC. However, larger-scale settlements appeared only in the 6th century AD, when the Byzantine Empire occupied most of the northern Black Sea coastline.
During the Middle Ages, the region was a key center to the development of Slavic culture and the Slavic expansions throughout Europe.
In the 9th century AD, the Kievan (Kyivan) Russ (the first East Slavic state) began to gain power, led by Prince Oleg, a pagan nobleman. By the 10th century, Kievan Rus became Europe’s most powerful medieval state. And, in 988, Christianity was adopted as the religion of the region.
In the 13th century, the Kievan Rus lost most of its power with the Mongol invasions. As an aftermath of the invasions and the devastation of Kievan Rus, the land was divided between many political entities.
From the mid-14th century to the 18th century the land of Ukraine was divided and controlled by Poland and Lithuania primarily (with smaller areas controlled by the Mongols, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and Hungary). This era was marked by land disputes, changing borders, and a rising Ukrainian nationalism.
By the late 18th century, most of Ukraine was absorbed into the Russian empire.
Ukraine in more recent history
The outbreak of WWI brought hostility between Russia and Austria-Hungary in 1914 and saw Ukraine’s land oscillating between control by the two powers.
After the Russian Revolution against the monarchy in 1917, much of the region was recognized as autonomous, but conflicting internal powers struggled for control.
After WWI, the land was again divided, this time among Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. The land east of the Polish border made up Soviet Ukraine. This region became a part of the U.S.S.R. (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1922.
In 1939, Nazi Germany conquered and consolidated the whole land. During World War II, around 7 million Ukrainians died. The once prosperous Jewish population of Ukrainians decreased by more than 50% (by around 1.5 million).
After WWII, Ukraine was a member of the Soviet Union, until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Ukraine then declared itself independent. This resulted in heightened tensions with Russia.
2014 saw mass demonstrations against the Ukrainian government’s decision to strengthen ties with Russia. Pro-Russian sentiments were strong in Crimea (a peninsula in the northern Black Sea of much dispute between the two countries), which culminated in Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula.
After years of political tension, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
As of early 2024, Ukraine is in the process of joining the European Union and has applied to join NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization). It is nowadays heavily supported by these member nations, due to their ongoing struggle against the Russian military.
Fun facts about Ukraine for kids
- The tradition of Easter eggs originated in Ukraine. Pysanka Easter eggs are patterned using a wax-resist method of layering dye and wax to achieve the desired designs. After all the colors have been added, the wax is removed, leaving the dashing colors and intricate patterns these eggs are known for.
- Although Ukraine is considered part of Eastern Europe, the geographical center of Europe is located in Ukraine.
- In the Ukrainian language, most words begin with the letter P.
Ukrainian food
First and foremost, Ukrainian cuisine is heavily influenced by the rich, dark soil of the land, which is known for its fertility. Usually, ingredients for traditional dishes are boiled or grilled first, and only then stewed or baked.
Ukraine produces a large amount of the world’s wheat. Their cuisine is known for its great variety of breads, pastries, and dumplings.
The national dish of Ukraine is borscht, a hearty soup that is popular for its beetroot and meat version (however, other versions exist as well).
What do Ukrainians eat? Mealtime in Ukraine.
Wheat is one of the main crops of Ukraine, and thus it is the main source of carbohydrates for most Ukrainians (whether in the form of bread, dumplings, etc).
Due to cold and long winters, Ukrainian cuisine has a great variety of soups, such as beetroot borscht, sorrel soup (a local sour herb), and even a soup that is made out of pickled vegetables!
Breakfast (Сніданок [Sni-da-nok])
Ukrainians typically don’t eat much during the morning. However, it is common to find people snacking on bread, pastries, or cereals (boiled corn, rice, or buckwheat porridge) while having their morning coffee.
You may even find a sweet breakfast like these cheese pancakes.
Lunch (2-4 pm) (Обід [o-bid])
A common Ukrainian lunch consists of a hearty soup, such as borscht, sorrel soup, or sauerkraut soup, and some chicken, pork, or beef.
Dinner (6-7 pm) (Вечеря [ve-chE-rja])
Ukrainians typically share dinner with family or friends. It’s a great opportunity to catch up, laugh, and celebrate friendship, family, and Ukrainian food.
Dishes such as stuffed cabbage rolls, potato dumplings, and roasted chicken may be served in the middle of the table and shared by all.
On special occasions, there may be desserts, like honey cake or fruit-filled pierogi (vareniki).
Food etiquette in Ukraine
Ukrainians almost always prefer eating while sitting at a table, even when dining outdoors.
Food is commonly served in several rounds, and one is expected to finish the food that is on his/her plate.
Bread historically plays an important role in Ukrainian culture, especially due to the past times of famine. Many Ukrainians would avoid throwing bread away.
Ukrainian food by region
Ukrainian gastronomy is often divided into the three regions of Ukraine: north, center, and south. In every region, local agriculture thrives on a specific crop, which naturally has a great influence on the local cuisine. When learning about Ukraine with kids, it may be helpful to take a brief look at a few of these regions.
Central Ukraine
Central Ukraine is the location of the majority of the country’s wheat crops. Due to that, wheat is the base of many local dishes. Vareniki dumplings, for example, are made out of a wheat dough and stuffed with various fillings – potatoes, meat, and even seasonal berries!
Southern Ukraine
Due to the proximity to the Black Sea, Southern Ukrainian cuisine is known for its fresh seafood. Ukha, for instance, is a very popular fish soup in the coastal region, made with a tomato broth.
Gefilte fish is another local dish that originated in the large Jewish community that lived in Odessa until World War II. ‘Gefilte fish’ literally means “stuffed fish”, and it is usually made out of carp. The fish is filleted and the meat is finely chopped, spiced, and stuffed again into the fish.
Northern Ukraine
The north of the country is known for its potatoes, which can be found in soups, dumplings, and even pancakes.
Deruny are traditional potato pancakes that can either be baked or fried. Occasionally, deruny are stuffed with grated cheese.
Holidays in Ukraine
Discussing holidays is a great way for kids to learn about Ukraine. They may learn new ways to celebrate familiar holidays, and others may be completely new!
Ukraine has a majorly Christian Orthodox population. Even Christian holidays incorporate local traditions, some of them dating back to pre-Christian times.
Ukrainians celebrate their holidays not only by gathering, singing, and dancing but also by cooking and sharing unique dishes that are served only on special occasions. Try cooking up some holiday food from Ukraine with your kids!
Christmas (Різдво [rizdvom], December 25th or January 7th)
Traditionally Christmas in Ukraine was celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar of the Orthodox traditions. However, since 2017 it has been possible for Ukrainians to celebrate on either December 25th or January 7th, each according to their personal tradition. Either way, the Eve of Christmas brings a special feast.
Kutia is a sweet grain dish that is traditionally prepared for Christmas. It is served along with 11 side dishes. All 12 dishes together symbolize the 12 apostles of Jesus. Borscht, bread, and uzvar (a dried fruit punch) all make an appearance for the vigil feast which starts when the first star is seen in the sky.
Of course, there are special Christmas desserts, like this poppy seed roll (Makivnyk).
Easter (Великдень [Velykden], date varies in April/May)
During the Great Lent before Easter, the faithful fast and abstain from meat and dairy. The Easter celebration includes reintroducing many of these foods.
Easter baskets include paska (Easter bread), eggs (often intricately decorated, called pysanky), horseradish, bacon, salt, ham, kielbasa, butter, and cheese. Each item in the basket has a special symbolism. It is common to have Easter baskets blessed the Saturday before Easter.
Pentecost / Holy Trinity Day (Triytsya, date varies in May/June)
Also known as “Green Sunday” in Ukraine, this holiday is celebrated seven Sundays after Easter, around May/June. It celebrates when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles (Pentecost).
The day before Triytsya is known as Didova Subota, a day to remember the dead.
Many Ukrainians decorate their house with branches, flowers, and herbs as a symbol of life. For example, people make fresh wreaths to decorate their homes.
Ivana Kupala (July 6)
On the night between July 6th and 7th, many Ukrainian villages celebrate the holiday of Ivana Kupala (midsummer).
This holiday has ancient, pre-Christian roots as a celebration of the ancient Slavic sun gods. With the introduction of Christianity, the celebration was merged with the feast of St. John the Baptist (Ivan is Slavic for John).
The celebration has seen varying acceptance through the years but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Despite the modern Christian connection of the feast’s name to St. John the Baptist, many of the pagan traditions and superstitions remain.
In the morning festivities typically involve swimming across rivers or lakes, as a sign of cleansing. In the evening, there are many bonfires.
At-home ideas for kids to learn about Ukraine
As a part of your home-school Ukraine unit study or as a supplement to your child’s Ukraine unit at school, try some of these ideas at home!
- Ukrainians celebrate their holidays not only by gathering, singing, and dancing but also by cooking and feasting on unique, festive dishes. Kutia is a sweet dish, based on grains and is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Set up your holiday mood and invite some friends over to cook and enjoy Kutia together!
- Dye your Easter egg with Ukrainian traditional patterns, called “pysanky”. Many examples can be found online. (LINK)
- Invite some friends over and fold vareniki dumplings, try this version with strawberries together, it’s a must-try for all Origami lovers!
- Kompot is a fun fruit drink that kids in Ukraine love warm or cold, try making it yourself!
- Use Language Drops to learn a few words in Ukrainian.
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