Embracing Local Culture While Dating in Ukraine

Learn more about embracing the local culture while dating in Ukraine.

Ukrainian culture has influences from both the Eastern Orthodox Church and Slavic mythology. Since Ukraine has been occupied by a number of empires across its long history, Ukrainian customs have taken the best of these influences and gave themselves a characteristic unique only to Ukraine - from art and architecture, to fashion and cuisines.

Modern Ukrainian culture also has a bit of Russian influence, albeit very much Europeanized. This stemmed from the country’s long stint as a member state of the USSR. As you get to know your Ukrainian life partner, it would be best to get to know her culture as well.

• Dressing up in Ukrainian Art

Ukrainian embroidery is a symbol of Ukrainian culture. Traditionally, embroidery was and still is a task often reserved for Ukrainian women. It was a common pastime for homemakers, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a Ukrainian lady who hasn’t mastered such a skill.

Across Ukraine there are different takes and characteristics on the styles of embroidery. However, needlework and quality are consistent across all regions. Different styles and patterns of embroidery present various symbolisms. This also varies across regions, but the common patterns and symbols all encompass their culture of embroidery.

An example of symbolism in Ukrainian embroidery are patterns of flowers, branches, and leaves. This symbolizes purity and prosperity of the family. It is usually what adorns wedding dresses to symbolize luck and fertility as well.

Then there are the geometric patterns. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity and are highly influenced by the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is considered the strongest Christian defense against evil spirits and it symbolizes success in all future endeavours. Another pattern that symbolizes fertility is the Rhombus. Zoomorphic patterns also add symbolism. Butterflies, for example, represent angels, and swallows represent good news.

• Having a taste of Ukrainian Cuisine

Everyone loves eating and tasting new dishes. It’s an exciting way of being part of the culture. So be sure to immerse yourself not just in the dishes, but in the dining traditions as well.

Nothing speaks Ukrainian more than their traditional dish called Borsch or Borscht. This dish is traditionally made of meat, vegetable stock, sauteed vegetables, and beetroot, which gives the dish its distinct blood red color. There are different takes on Borscht across Ukraine, but restaurants usually serve the traditional Ukrainian variety to tourists as this is essentially what characterizes Ukrainian cuisine.

Walnuts and plums are also prevalent in the country, which is why when you ask native Ukrainians what their fondest culinary memory is, they’d usually tell you about Walnut Stuffed Prunes. Essentially these are prunes stuffed with crushed walnuts that are lathered in yogurt or other dairy products of one’s choosing.

Once you’ve tasted Chicken Kyiv, you’ll be constantly wanting it for quite a long time. This is a very popular dish in Ukraine and is often served in homes, schools, and even cafeterias in government establishments. This dish is basically the calling card of Kiev, Ukraine as nothing represents the city more than this dish.

• Walk around Classical Ukraine

Ukrainian Architecture has had influences from many cultures. Modern architecture has a distinct modern European zing to it. However, classical Ukrainian Architecture is still considered one of the world’s most alluring structures. The Ukrainian government has been investing large amounts of money in order to preserve these structures.

Officially, there are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine.

1. St. Sophia’s Cathedral

This cathedral is one of the most beautiful landmarks of the city of Kiev, the country’s capital. This is the first of the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites and is an excellent architectural monument of Kievan Rus.

2. Lviv’s Old Town

This world heritage site is located in Lviv, Oblast, Ukraine. The site covers around 120 hectares of the old medieval part of the city. This was added to the world heritage sites list due to its good combination of artistic and architectural traditions of Eastern Europe. This site incorporates the European architectural influences of Germany and Italy.

3. Struve Geodetic Arc

This site was the first location for an accurate measurement of a meridian. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a string of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest, Norway all the way to the Black Sea, and goes through 10 countries across 2,820 kilometers.

4. Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians

These forests are part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe. These untouched forests are protected and they go across 12 countries. This was part of the Transnational site to protect the virgin forests of the Carpathians. They serve as an important natural habitat for various organisms, such as rare and exotic moss, mushrooms, and other tropical mammals and birds.

5. Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

Ukrainian traditions are highly influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans also stands as a monument of the 19th century cultural identity of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This world heritage site is located in Chernivtsi, Ukraine.

6. Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora

Chersonesus in Greek means “peninsula”, and this aptly describes the site in which it was constructed. The site was founded around 2500 years ago in the Crimean Peninsula. The Chersonesus ruins can be found today in the Sevastopol suburbs and have been excavated by the Russian government. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is a protected archeological park.

7. Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine

The Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine are a group of wooden Orthodox Churches built around the 16th to 19th centuries. This group of wooden churches showcases the traditional Orthodox design. Incorporated in the design are the local traditions and symbolic references to cosmogony.

Ukrainian Culture and Women

Dating in Ukraine has now been made possible due to the rise of online dating. Although with international dating comes a bit of adjustment for you and your partner. When dating a Ukrainian girl, be sure to immerse yourself in her culture in order for you to understand the influences and traditions that make her who she is. This will help you both stay on the same page and make a lasting relationship with each other work.