The faces and colors of Ukraine

I took the pictures below in the lovely area of Ukraine called Bukovyna. It is often referred to as 'the beech land' as its name stems from the Ukrainian 'buk' which means beech as in beech tree. Throughout many centuries the population of Bukovyna fought for social and national independence against Hungary, Austria, Romania, and Russia. Olga Kobylanska's dream finally came true when Ukrainians proclaimed their independence on August 26, 1991. It has been fascinating to watch this new country struggle, successfully, to its feet. Olga would have been proud!

The land of Bukovyna, where Olga lived, worked and died is a delightful world of nature with thick forests and rippling waterfalls. It is also rich in national culture and traditions, legends, and songs, and golden waves of corn fields. The Hutsels, folk costumes, wood-carving, embroidery and painted Easter eggs can still be found here. This area has also been rich with famous people; the talented Ukrainian poet Yury Fedkovich (1834-1888), the outstanding Ukrainian actor and film-producer Ivan Mykolaichuk (1941-1987), a famous composer Sydir Vorobkevich (1836-1903) and numerous contemporaries such as writer Myhailo Ivasyuk, famous author, singer Volodymyr Ivasyuk and many others from the world of dance, art and science.


Glinitsa village
Glinitsa village

Typical well in Glinitsa
Typical well in Glinitsa

Blue walls

Blue walls in Glinitsa buildings

Cow
Another day is passing

Street vendor
Street vendor

Boys


I urge the Ukrainian readers of this website to submit original essays about their country. Good photography will also be welcome. We hope that this website will bring our American readers closer to this beautiful country and its people.

Cora Schwartz


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