Currently, the list of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine includes 68 items. Find out more about the Ukrainian cultural heritage and traditions included in the list

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The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy has issued a decree expanding the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine. Previously, the list consisted of 68 elements, but on 4 May, five more traditions were added to it. Let us tell you more about them.

The tradition of cattail weaving in the villages of Shchitky and Pysarivka, Vinnytsia Oblast

The village of Shchitky of the Pysarivska territorial community was founded in 1770. The settlement got its name from the occupation of the locals: the main craft was making brushes and baskets from cattail, which was abundant near the village water bodies. Cattail weaving became the main occupation of the villagers. The traditions of this craft are passed down from generation to generation. Nowadays, in the villages of Shchitky and Pysarivka, shoes, hats, paths and even clothes are made of cattails. 

The tradition of dressing up grave crosses in Rivne Polissia

A special memorial tradition has been preserved in the Rivne region. Residents of the village of Litvytsia in Dubrovychchyna decorate crosses on the graves of their relatives on the eve of Maundy Thursday. They hang a shawl and apron on women's graves and a towel on men's graves. According to beliefs, it is on Maundy Thursday that the dead go to confession. Residents of Rivne Polissia keep traditions alive and pass them on to the younger generation. From now on, this tradition is the property of the whole of Ukraine. 

Cooking the Ukrainian traditional dish "Golubtsi"

Cooking cabbage rolls was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine. The dish is widespread throughout modern Ukraine and even in other countries. Every Ukrainian housewife has her own unique recipe for cooking this dish, as well as many secrets. However, we should not forget that cabbage rolls taste best with sour cream.  

Bessarabia's sheep breeding culture 

The traditional occupation of the inhabitants of Bessarabia is included in the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine. Sheep breeding is a separate branch of animal husbandry. Sheep milk is used to make many delicacies. The most valuable product is wool, which is used in the production of fabrics, knitwear, carpets, felts, etc. 

The tradition of "Vasyls' wreathing" in the village of Lypivka, Ivano-Frankivsk region

On 14 January, on St Basil's Day, an ancient ritual called 'hanging and knitting of Vasyls' takes place in Lipivka every year. Amateurs from all three folk groups that work at the local House of Culture, namely the drama, folklore and vocal groups, take part in this event. There is no such tradition anywhere else in Ukraine. 

The locals believe that the tradition originated because there were many Vasyls in the village, who used to have their feet bound with hay and soft otava (grass) on their name days. Nowadays, the main attribute of the tradition is the grehor, a wreath of pine needles that is woven a few days before St Basil's Day. Both men and women can weave it. The whole event is accompanied by traditional songs.

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