'Ukraine and the Ukrainians'

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Ukraine and the Ukrainians.

       Ukraine has its distinct identity, interesting traditions and original culture. Certain customs and traditions play important role in the life of the Ukrainian people.

       Ukrainians used to wear embroidered blouses and shirts (vyshyvankas) from time immemorial. They put them on   mostly on   special occasion such as wedding, 

religious holidays, family parties. In our days   embroidered  shirts, blouses and dresses are very popular  and embroidered elements are important fashion items in Ukraine and beyond. World famous brands, from Valentino to H&M use elements of Ukrainian embroidery in their  collection.

   Ukrainian cuisine is of great interest. When you come to any party , you will be impressed with  the diversity of food on the festive table. One can taste meat and fish dishes, delicious vegetable and fruit salads, jellied meat, fish and fruit, and of cause , plenty of domestic bakery. But Ukrainians do not overeat. Their diet is healthy and modest, Ukrainians are not obese, the obesity rate is at about 20 per cent . it means that Ukraine is not even in the top 30 in the world and is far below most Western countries’ rate.

Ukrainians are very hospitable. They treat their guests with great respect and receive them in a very friendly atmosphere..Though they are not open and smiling with strangers , as Americans are, in reality, Ukrainians are affectionate and welcoming to people around, they love large noisy gatherings, where one can make friends, chat , dance and sing different songs.

Ukrainians are flashy. So when Ukrainian people dress up, they go all out. High heels, glittery skirts, fur coats on ideally made-up girls and the latest in crisp, bright fashion on guys are the  modern characteristic of the Ukrainian youth. Ukrainian women always look as if they stepped out of a fashion magazine. Ukraine is ranked among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of the beauty of its women, who are proud of their femininity and dress accordingly. Sweatpants and hoodies are not the common clothes for them to wear.

People in Ukraine have a lot of superstitions: black cat,  crossing the street with empty bucket etc. Though most Ukrainians do not believe these things, they still sit down before a long journey , knock on the wood, try not to go on after empty bucket. Also Ukrainians have many  symbols and

 rituals originated since ancient times: Easter bread, pysanka, celebration of the Cristmas Eve, the Trinity Day etc

Ukraine is the country of sunflowers stretching in the fields of the eastern part of the country. It is the country of beautiful women, picturesque landscapes, delicious cuisine and friendly people.

1. Ukraine has ....

2.Ukrainians wear embroided clothes: blouses, shirts and dresses...

3.Elements of embroidery are used ....

4. Ukrainian cuisine..

5. Obesity rate is

6. Ukrainians are very hospitable because....

7. At the large noisy gatherings ukrainians like.....

8. Ukrainian girls like to wear...

9.Ukrainian women look...

10.Superstitions in Ukraine ....

11.Ukrainian symbols and rituals

12.Ukraine is the country of beauty because of ..