An exhibition titled "Ukrainian Christmas Ornament: From the 19th Century to the Present" opens in Kyiv
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II invites you to visit the exhibition.
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree emerged in Ukraine in the 19th century. It is closely linked to the European context while preserving its unique national identity. Sweet treats, nuts, candies, candles, and the first ornaments made of cardboard, paper, and glass were hung on the tree, as noted on the museum's Facebook page.
After the October Revolution and the establishment of Soviet power over parts of Ukraine, Christmas was banned, along with any related traditions that were deemed religious or bourgeois. So-called volunteer battalions monitored compliance with these orders. Nevertheless, Ukrainians continued to celebrate Christmas in secret. If tree ornaments were made during that time, they were homemade and crafted discreetly. It turned out that the Soviet authorities prohibited Christmas trees and decorations only for their own citizens.
It wasn't until 1935 that a new holiday, the New Year, was officially introduced, adopting the Christmas tree as its main symbol. This marked the peak of Christmas ornamentation, with the opening of cooperatives that created tree decorations.
Today, Ukrainian factories and artisans continue the tradition of crafting Christmas ornaments, producing patriotic and traditional Ukrainian decorations that uplift the spirits of Ukrainians during wartime. They draw upon beneficial technologies from the past while incorporating high-tech advancements of the present. Thus, the tradition of creating Ukrainian Christmas ornaments carries on.
At the exhibition, you will see unique early Christmas ornaments from the 19th and early 20th centuries, toys from the First World War era, the first figurative glass decorations, and Ukrainian St. Nicholas figures. Additionally, there will be glass, cotton, wire, cardboard, and lavsan toys from various periods that reveal the history of Ukrainian Christmas ornamentation.
The exhibition opens on December 6 at the main building of the War Museum (the "Motherland" monument), 27 Lavrska Street.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed on Monday.