Ukraine adds Bukovyna ceremonial wreath to cultural heritage

The intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine was replenished with three new elements.

The press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy reported the news.

The following was added to Ukraine's new list of cultural heritage: the Bukovyna ceremonial wreath with feather grass, the ceremony of preparing drained porridge, and the technique for making the ritual drink "Varena" in the village of Boromlia.

• Bukovyna ceremonial wreath with feather grass

To this day, the Bukovyna ceremonial wreath with feather grass is an integral part of the wedding ceremony in four villages of the Chernivtsi region – Ridkivtsi, Toporivtsi, Mahala, and Chornivka. In such a wreath, girlfriends and the bride go to invite guests to the wedding. The craftswoman can still make wreaths to order, and this time–honored tradition is still going strong – though it's been limited in scope, having gone from three districts to just four villages.

^{Photo: Bukovyna Center of Culture and Arts' Heritage Project}

• The ceremony of preparing drained porridge

In the village of Karnaukhivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the specialty is porridge, which has been prepared since Cossack times. Locals say that the tradition of preparing tasty and hearty, "wise" porridge was started back when the village was founded by the famous Cossack Semen Karnaukh in 1737. Therefore, at the entrance to the village, the stele with the coat of arms of Karnaukhivka depicts Semen Karnaukh holding a big pot of typical Ukrainian dish served to demonstrate the friendship and hospitality of the village locals.

^{Photo: Bukovyna Center of Culture and Arts' Heritage Project}

The name "drained" porridge was given because it was prepared in a group, in a fold, from available products, initially as a symbolic celebration of the completion of fieldwork in May. Such porridge restores strength and charges with positive energy. It is still prepared for holidays in an ancient 5-bucket cauldron. Locals invite you to their table with singing, just like it's been done for generations. After the first bowl of porridge and a glass of wine, everyone gets up to dance and sing, and then it's back to the table. The ancient recipe for making drained porridge is a treasured family secret, passed down from housewife to housewife.

• The technology of preparation of the ceremonial drink "Varena" in the village of Boromlia

In the village of Boromlia in the Sumy region, a drink called "varena" is prepared. Dried cherries, currant berries, leaves, a sprig of mint, honey, red pepper, and sugar are added to it, and it is consumed on the seventh day after Easter, on Provody [the day of honoring deceased relatives – ed.].

For reference:

It should be noted that Obuhovychi weaving was included in the list of cultural heritage of Ukraine.

Also, the tradition of preparing and consuming ceremonial bread for St. George's Day of the village of Krynychne (Odesa region) was included in the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.

The Department of Protection of Cultural Heritage added the Voznesensky Cave Complex to the list of Kyiv's archaeological heritage sites.