Cultural life of Ukraine Arts. Ukraine has a historically important culture. Ukrainian icons and Orthodox church architecture are particularly notable. There is also a strong folk culture, manifested particularly in songs and dancing. Each region of Ukraine has its own unique handcrafts. Some of them have been practised by the local residents for centuries, like embroidery, bead-work, wood-carved ornaments and household utensils, hand-painted Easter eggs and lacquer boxes. Religion. Most practising Christians in Ukraine are communicants of the Orthodox Church, although many western Ukrainians are Roman Catholic, as are the Hungarian and Polish minorities. Protestantism, Islam, and Judaism are also practised. Recreation. Ukrainians enjoy sports and outdoor activities. Football (soccer) is most popular. Many people like tennis, volleyball, aerobics and also skiing or tobogganing when winters are snowy.

"Fabulous National Opera"

Ukrainians have a great love of arts and music. Kiev and other cities have a choice of theaters, museums, exhibitions, art galleries, outdoor folk festivals, pop music and classical music concerts. Young people like going out in the evening. They visit clubs, bars and discos where one can meet with friends, listen to music, dance, or have a snack and a drink.

Family life. Most urban families own an apartment and those in the villages and small towns are homeowners. The family continues to be dominated by traditional male-female roles and responsibilities. Both parents usually work and all family members are expected to help with housework. Parents tend to protect and care for their children, who depend on their parents financially, even after they become university students. Ukrainian families like to share daily activities as well as special events. Many families spend weekends at their dacha (summer cottage) located in the picturesque countryside. They spend time gardening, swimming and fishing in a river or a lake, making “shashlyk” (meat grilled in open fire), and socializing.

Foods. Eating out is not a big tradition with Ukrainians who prefer home-cooked meals. A typical dinner would include an appetizer, a soup, a main course and dessert. Stewed or roasted meat (pork, beef) and poultry, vegetables and potato, various salads made of fresh or boiled ingredients are served daily. Popular vareniki and mlintsi are made of thin dough and stuffed with meat, cheese, vegetables or berries. On a holiday an abundant dinner with many appetizers and various dessert is a must.

Language. The official language of the country is Ukrainian, one of the East Slavic languages, related to Russian and Belorussian. It is used by the government and at school. At the same time Russian is also widely used by mass media, in business and is most practical for cross-cultural communication.

SOME UKRAINIAN PHRASES