Lately, I have been thinking a great deal about the Ukraine, my home country. Maybe it is because Christmas is not that far away, and we tend to remember home
and family during this time of year. I feel that many people tend to think that Ukrainians are the same as Russians, but this idea is completely false. Maybe by
explaining a little bit about the Ukrainian culture, I can clear up some misunderstandings.
Hospitality of Ukrainians Ukrainians are some of the warmest and most generous people in the world, but they can be very reserved until they get to know you. Personally, I feel that the best way for people to become better acquainted is by sharing a meal together, and Ukrainians truly love to feed their guests. It is considered an honor to have enough
food to share, so it is considered very disrespectful if you decline an invitation to eat in someone’s home.
Ukrainian food You should also be prepared to try a little bit of everything, including the vodka that usually accompanies a meal. Ukrainian food is simple, yet hearty and not too
heavily spiced. For instance, you will typically find soup, cabbage rolls, sausage and stewed fruit on the menu. One of my favorite dishes is potato-filled varenyky, or
pierogi as it is often called.
Bread is a very important part of the meal and in Ukrainian culture too. You will typically find rye bread on the table for everyday meals, but for special meals, such
as Christmas and Easter dinners, you will be treated to babka, nut rolls and poppy seed rolls.
Family values in Ukrainian society Family is very important to Ukrainians. We love and respect our elders, so it is very common to find three generations living under one roof or very close to one another.
Ukrainian women embrace their roles as mothers, and they will usually choose to stay home with their children instead of working outside of the home.
If a mother does have an outside job, the grandmother will most likely be the one to take care of the children. It is still common for a man to ask his girlfriend’s father for permission to get married, and weddings usually become major family celebrations.

Sincerely, Inga