Ministry of Culture adds miners’ lore, Panayir celebration, and fine linen weaving to Ukraine's cultural heritage inventory
Serpankove weaving. Photo source: rivnepost.rv.ua
Ukraine's Ministry of Culture added three new elements to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage: miners' urban lore about a guardian spirit, Panayir—a celebration tradition among Ukraine's ethnic Greeks—and the tradition of serpankove (fine linen) weaving.
The Ministry of Culture's press service released the update, according to Rubryka.
The new additions to the National Inventory include:
- "Miners' urban lore about the guardian spirit"
- "Panayir – celebration tradition of Ukraine's Greeks"
- "Tradition of serpankove weaving"
Miners' urban lore developed from everyday working conditions and folk beliefs surrounding a guardian spirit of the mines. The figure initially emerged within the professional mining community before spreading across mining towns and cities. The central character in these stories is the guardian spirit, Shubin.
Another newly added element is Panayir, one of the most significant religious, community, and family celebrations among Ukraine's Greek community. The tradition combines customs from different eras, showcasing the dynamic nature of living cultural heritage.
The name originates from the Ancient Greek word πανηγύρι, which translates to "altogether" or literally "general assembly."
The third newly inscribed element is the tradition of serpankove weaving. This local technique produces a thin, translucent linen fabric known as serpanok, historically practiced in villages across the Dubrovytsia urban territorial community in the Sarny district of the Rivne region.
The practice encompasses both the weaving process itself and the creation of finished traditional garments and items.
Following these additions to the National Inventory, local communities will implement safeguarding recommendations developed by the Expert Council on Intangible Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
Background
The Ministry also expanded the registry to include the traditional art and craft of Sokal ceramics, representing one of Ukraine's oldest pottery hubs.
