Wreath as a symbol of insubordination of the Ukrainian people

As part of the Downtown Culture Days festival, the Ukrainian cultural and educational center Oseredok is holding a wreath-making master class. Since ancient times, they have symbolized the glory, victory and success of the Ukrainian people. The organizers of today's workshop tell more about the significance of the wreath in Ukrainian culture.

Children and adults, people of different nationalities and genders join the master class. By making flowers, visitors can discover the secret power of an ancient headdress steeped in history.

"Here we make a Ukrainian wreath. They are often worn in Ukrainian dances. Many folk traditions are also associated with it. One of them is weaving wreaths for Kupala Night. The girls released them into the water, with the hope that the future husband will find a wreath on the other side of the river," says Anna, one of the organizers.

Sung in songs and shrouded in legends, the Ukrainian wreath has a centuries-old history. For the first time, the wreath was mentioned in the times of Sumerian culture — the 12th-3rd centuries. B.C.

Descendants of the Sumerians left many symbols to the next generations, including the mythical sign of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar: the wreath (a woven circle with a star at the centre) Our ancestors understood that the main part of a person's body, through which they understand the world and influence it, is the head, so they created amulet wreaths for it, which protected against evil spirits and evil charms.

An equally important fact is that, according to tradition, the wreath consists of no more than 12 flowers. Among the most popular, which are traditionally woven into a wreath: there is yarrow, which is a symbol of insubordination, poppy - a symbol of dreams, chamomile - a symbol of beauty; and viburnum is a symbol of immortality.

But the flowers of today's master class are made of blue and yellow paper. Which have always been and remain a symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian people.

"We decided to make wreaths in two colors - yellow and blue, as these are the colors of the Ukrainian flag. We wanted to show that these two colors have a special meaning in Ukrainian culture. Everyone knows that this is the Ukrainian flag, we decided to emphasize it. We also have red, white and blue wreath ribbons. Each color has its own meaning," explains Anna Shapilova.

The girl joined the Center more than a year ago to contribute to Ukrainian culture. She was born in Kharkiv, and came to Canada to study. But the girl's parents are still in Ukraine. Although she tries to smile and not show her feelings, disturbing thoughts do not leave her for a moment: "All my family stayed in Ukraine, my parents are now in Kyiv, half of my family is in Kharkiv. I am very worried. I feel helpless and I can't help them in any way."

But Anna, the second craftswoman, does not speak Ukrainian, but still feels a close connection with Ukraine.

"My family was born in Ukraine, we always follow Ukrainian traditions. The Oseredok is like a family home for me, - the girl shares with us and adds, - I started working in the Oseredok in May 2021. I wanted to work there to participate more in the projects of our community and learn more about Ukrainian culture and roots."

For almost 80 years, the center has been engaged in preserving, spreading, popularizing Ukrainian-Canadian culture and heritage. Since the first day of Russia's military attack on Ukraine, the center has been actively helping Ukrainian refugees by conducting trainings, language courses and workshops. Today's master class also became symbolic. In such a simple, non-obtrusive way, the girls once again attract people's attention and remind of the terrible war on the territory of Ukraine.

"What is happening now is simply terrible. I am very proud of the Ukrainian people for their brave struggle. They have to defeat Russia", - assures Nicole Reynolds.

"Of course we feel terrible about it. We hope that the war will end soon. I didn't think it would last this long. But again, I am very impressed by the strength of the Ukrainian people and how they are able to resist such a large country that invaded their country. And I hope for the victory of the Ukrainian people", Veronik Reynolds shares.

The woman came to the festival with her family, because they have long been interested in Ukrainian culture.

"The master class is wonderful. When I found the announcement on the website, I didn't know what to expect. It exceeded my expectations. I am pleasantly surprised how carefully the girls treat my daughter and niece," the woman says.

People after the master class remain not only satisfied, but also a little more erudite. Ready wreaths are tried on and taken away.

Anna Shapilova claims that during the master class, people expressed gratitude and showed concern for the war in Ukraine: "We received a lot of words of support in the 2 days we were here. On the first day there were fewer people because the weather was not very good for attending events outside, but today is much sunnier, so now many children are making wreaths in our tent."

Yuliia Kovalenko, Ukrainian View, U Multicultural