Among various European countries, Ukrainian culture is definitely one of the most colourful. And if you want to know better this interesting people, with its melodious soul, you should get acquainted with Ukrainian traditions. A burning mix of modern tendencies, Christian roots and ancient rites has created amazing customs.

Many of them are truly understood only by Ukrainians themselves, but others have something common with popular traditions of Western Europe. Let's have a look at the most joyful, interesting and bright Ukrainian customs that can make us a little closer to this country's amazing culture. But if you'd like to know more about these traditions, you should register at https://deepinlove.date/ in order to find someone from Ukraine who can help you to understand them better.

The most popular Ukrainian customs

We will explore the tradition of all seasons of the year, so you could compare them with the customs of your own country.

• Kupala Night: jumping over the burning fire

This holiday is not just Ukrainian but it is Ukrainians who bring a special note of fun to the celebration. The night of July 7th is traditionally associated with the summer solstice, its magic and mystery. So many Ukrainians believe that this night some magical plants, like blooming fern, grow in the forest. And the one who finds such a flower will be happy and rich for the whole his or her life.

But the most exciting tradition of Ivana Kupala night concerns the bonfire. A long time ago people believed that jumping over it can cure you of illnesses and clean your soul from sins. Nowadays this tradition became popular again as far as it brings people joy and happiness.

• Pancakes for Maslenitsa

Many Ukrainians respect the Great Lent. But even more of them observe the tradition of celebrating Maslenitsa during the last week before it. This holiday concerns saying goodbye to the cold of winter and greeting the warmth of spring. It's one of the most ancient Ukrainian traditions which appeared in Kievan Rus.

Maslenitsa is also called a pancake week because every day people bake pancakes as symbols of the sun. Also, each city organizes interesting festivals and competitions outdoors, so people can have fun and celebrate all together. You can find women from Ukraine to tell you more about this custom – and maybe this will be your new friend or even true love.

• Christmas: beautiful Ukrainian carols

One of wonderful traditions in Ukraine is singing carols (koliadkas in Ukrainian) on the Eve of Christmas. Carolers, called koliadnyky, go to the houses or yards of their relatives, friends and neighbours to wish them health and prosperity by means of singing Christmas carols. For their songs, carolers get sweets, goodies and money. According to this custom, koliadnyky should wear funny costumes: masks of animals, fur coat worn inside out etc.

Today the masks and costumes are not necessary, but carolers still carry a star (mostly hand-made) – as a symbol of the legendary Bible star.

By the way, didn't you know that one of the most melodious Christmas songs 'Carol of the Bells' is Ukrainian? And it became world-known after it was arranged by a Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych.

• Jumping into an ice-hole

Another popular winter tradition in Ukraine is to plunge into the ice-hole on January 19th. This is the day of Kievan Rus' Christianisation, so Ukrainians create a hole in the ice, give it the form of a cross, and dive into the cold water. Some people believe that icy water can cure all illnesses and sins.

Ukrainian culture has many interesting, unusual and even mysterious customs. Which if these traditions are you acquainted with?