Challenges and Opportunities in Preserving Cultural Heritage
Behind the Scenes of the "Know Your Ukraine" Course: An Interview with Yaroslava Muzychenko, One of the Key Experts of the Course
Ukrainian culture is more than just history. It is passed down from generation to generation through ethnocultural traditions. Unfortunately, many of these traditions have been lost or forgotten, and younger generations increasingly have fewer opportunities to engage with them. This is why the Charitable Foundation "KOLO" initiated the creation of the unique online educational course "Know Your Ukraine," which helps people reconnect with their roots and experience the power of their culture.
This project was made possible through a partnership with the Ivan Honchar Museum, EdEra, and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The course consists of four thematic blocks, each dedicated to major holidays of the folk calendar: Christmas, Easter, Kupala Night, and Pokrova. These holidays mark the key points of the seasonal cycle. The course not only explains the traditions of these celebrations but also provides practical tools for experiencing them, engaging both teenagers and adults. The "Christmas" module was launched at the end of 2021, and work on the "Kupala" and "Pokrova" modules continued in, with a presentation of these sections held in December 2024. More details can be found here: https://youtu.be/qoU23CXQ7cs?feature=shared
"Know Your Ukraine" is more than just learning — it is an opportunity to experience traditional holidays as our ancestors did: singing carols, crafting Kupala wreaths, preparing Easter dishes, and feeling the sacred connection to the land during Pokrova. This course inspires, opens new horizons, and allows every Ukrainian to deepen their understanding of their cultural roots.
We spoke with ethnologist Yaroslava Muzychenko, a researcher at the National Center of Folk Culture "Ivan Honchar Museum" and one of the key experts who worked on developing the course materials. We invite you to explore the story of the course from A to Z.
Why does the "Know Your Ukraine" course focus on Christmas, Kupala Night, Pokrova, and Easter?
These holidays align with the main points of the solar year — solstices and equinoxes. They are the cornerstone celebrations of the Ukrainian folk calendar and play a crucial role in shaping Ukrainian identity. We selected one major holiday for each season.
What are the goals and objectives of each module?
Our goal is to expand knowledge about Ukrainian holidays among teenagers and teachers. Traditional celebrations do not have "spectators" and "performers" — everyone is an active participant. These holidays united communities and fostered a sense of togetherness and self-sufficiency. We aim not only to narrate traditions but also to provide practical tools for their implementation. Each module introduces the audience to a holiday through several sections, including short video lectures and master classes. For example, in the Kupala module, children learn about the holiday's symbolism, the significance of water and fire, the origins of searching for the mythical fern flower, and much more. The video master classes teach skills such as decorating the ritual tree "Kupailytsia," weaving Kupala wreaths, and singing traditional songs. Each lesson is accompanied by links, illustrations, templates, and diagrams.
How was the course created?
The process began with studying primary sources. Scholars researched ethnographic and folklore materials and wrote concise texts based on their findings. Methodologists then adapted the content for a younger audience. The team behind the course was extensive, including researchers, educators, editors, designers, and videographers. Each contributed to creating a high-quality educational product.
What materials were used?
Ethnographic studies, chronicles, artworks, folklore, traditional clothing, and ritual attributes. Each holiday was complemented with relevant illustrations and video materials.
What were the main challenges in developing the course?
The biggest challenge was the sheer volume of literature that needed to be reviewed. It was essential to select the most valuable information relevant to all generations and to showcase rituals that are common across Ukraine. Additionally, the content had to be adapted for a modern audience.
How did you balance academic accuracy with accessibility for a broad audience?
Experts selected material that was both comprehensible and engaging for teenagers. Methodologists then refined the content based on principles of developmental psychology, ensuring a light and engaging narrative style.
Were there difficulties in interpreting certain traditions?
Visual materials significantly aid understanding. For example, when explaining "Kupailytsia," we immediately show how it is made and decorated. When one immerses themselves in their cultural traditions, even unfamiliar concepts quickly become intuitive and resonate on a deeper level.
How were the course experts chosen?
We invited the best specialists in the field. For example, folklorist Iryna Danyleyko covered folk songs, experts from the Ivan Honchar Museum discussed traditional clothing, and I contributed insights into calendar rituals, as I have been researching this topic for years. In the "Pokrova" module, the master class on Cossack songs was conducted by Taras Kompanichenko, who has been promoting Ukrainian songs that uplift the spirit for many years.
Why is it important to explore the holidays of Pokrova and Kupala more deeply?
Pokrova has long been regarded as a day of warriors, with its significance rooted in the times of Kyivska Rus. Later, the Cossacks honored Pokrova by holding prayer services in Pokrova churches at the Sich. This holiday is deeply connected to Ukraine's historical memory and remains a symbol of protection and valor. In the folk calendar, Pokrova was a time to honor the land and the harvest. Communities organized communal labor efforts to help the less fortunate gather crops and prepare homes for winter. It was also a time for fairs and weddings. Therefore, the "Pokrova" module explores wedding traditions and roles. Kupala Night has pagan roots associated with the sun cult. It is celebrated across many European cultures, highlighting the shared heritage of Ukrainian traditions with broader European customs.
How does the course help modern Ukrainians connect with their roots?
The course materials are designed to not only educate but also encourage hands-on participation. Vibrant illustrations, videos, and interactive tasks inspire students to celebrate the holidays themselves. For example, gathering for Kupala Night, lighting a bonfire, and singing folk songs — this is an opportunity to experience tradition firsthand. Understanding one’s culture strengthens national identity. A person who knows their roots has a deeper sense of self and their place in the world.
Have you noticed an increase in interest among Ukrainians in their cultural heritage?
Yes, especially since the full-scale invasion. Cultural awareness has taken on a deeply personal significance. People are actively rediscovering traditions, understanding their profound meaning and importance.
What lesser-known traditions did you discover while creating the course?
Many people know about Kupala rituals like floating wreaths or jumping over fires, but there are lesser-known customs as well. For example, certain water-related rites that were performed at night.
Do you plan to expand the course?
Yes, we plan to develop a module on Easter, and we would also like to include the "Kalyta" ritual from St. Andrew’s Day, which is particularly fascinating for children and teenagers.
What role do educational projects play in shaping national identity?
The launch of this modern online course is itself a contribution to national self-identification, as teenagers are drawn to new and innovative approaches.
Why should one take this course?
It offers a deep dive into Ukrainian culture and its profound strength. Every Ukrainian has encountered traditional rituals at some point — painting pysanky, caroling, or preparing kutia. This course helps one better understand these customs, appreciate their deep meaning, and enrich their own life.
What would you say to those unfamiliar with the course?
I would ask if they have ever painted a pysanka, tasted paska or kutia, or gone caroling. Then I would invite them to reflect on how they felt before and after engaging in these traditions. Engaging with cultural heritage is like stepping into a magical world — one that comforts, delights, broadens awareness, and elevates everyday life. That is why I would recommend this course: to touch the intangible, make life more fascinating, and open a portal to a world of wonder.
The course "Know Your Ukraine" is not just an educational project but a bridge between the past and the present. It helps to experience the depth of Ukrainian traditions and integrate them into contemporary life.
