Ukraine in Objects and Books Exhibition
28.01.2025
Welcome to the exhibition "Ukraine in Objects and Books," which showcases Ukrainian cultural heritage and literature. Student Hanna Momotenko has curated and arranged the exhibition in the library's display cases, featuring fascinating objects and literature related to Ukraine's history, cultural heritage, and literature.
The exhibition includes:
- Didukh Sheaf: A traditional Ukrainian Christmas decoration symbolizing prosperity, family unity, and the memory of ancestors. It is displayed in a prominent place during Christmas celebrations and is believed to bring abundance to the home. Its name means "spirit of the ancestors."
- Vyshyvanka Shirt: Vyshyvanka shirts were worn during significant life events. Today, they are festive garments on Vyshyvanka Day, symbolizing unity and resilience. Vyshyvanka Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May. The day is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Ukrainian embroidery tradition. The embroidery patterns on Vyshyvanka shirts vary across different regions of Ukraine.
- Hustka Scarf: A symbolic item and a central part of traditional national attire in Ukrainian culture. It represents affection, love, and protection. The patterns and colors indicate marital status, age, and the nature of the occasion.
- Sylianka Necklace: A traditional Ukrainian necklace made skillfully from interwoven beads. It was worn at weddings and celebrations to bring good luck and ward off evil.
- Bulava: A traditional weapon and an important symbol in Ukrainian history, representing the struggle for independence and the military strength of the Cossacks.
- Motanka Dolls: Ancient Ukrainian talismans that protect homes.
The exhibition also features Ukrainian literature:
- Valeryan Pidmohilny: The novel "The City" depicts rural youth who moved to cities with hope in the early 1920s.
- Mykhailo Khvylovy: The novel "I (Romantic)" explores the struggle between good and evil within the protagonist's soul.
- Serhiy Zhadan: The novel "Mesopotamia" portrays the emotions, confessions, and betrayals of the people of Kharkiv, as well as their escapes and returns, tenderness, and cruelty.
- Panas Myrny: The novel "Do the cows roar when their mangers are full?" (co-written with his brother Ivan Bilyk) vividly describes village life. The central idea of the book is that people would live peacefully if they did not experience oppression, suggesting that only violence can change the world.
The "Ukraine in Objects and Books" exhibition is open at the Arcanum and Feeniks libraries until 28 March, 2025.
