Presentation - 6th grade.pptx level A2- B1

for 6 grade students interesting in Ukrainian culture

1. Ukrainian Autumn Traditions: A Cultural Journey

2. Opening Circle: Welcome to Ukrainian Autumn! Today we'll explore fascinating Ukrainian autumn traditions

3. Obžynky: The Harvest Celebration The ancient Ukrainian holiday,  Obzhynky,  or the Harvest Festival , has been preserved and honored for centuries in Ukraine to celebrate the end of the harvest and thank nature, ancestors, and the higher power for their support and all the gifts of the earth they gave. In a way,  Obzhynky  is  similar to Thanksgiving Day  because all pagan customs, sayings, songs, and rituals that later took on religious meaning revolved around gratitude.

4. St. Simeon's Day: The Candle Wedding Candles have always held a powerful symbolic role in Ukrainian culture. They are seen as sacred and magical and are used during meaningful events and celebrations. Those include the day of St. Simeon Stylites , also known in Ukraine as Semen- Strannyk , on September 1. This holiday was traditionally considered the official beginning of the New Church Year and was celebrated with an unusual ritual called  "Wedding of the Candle"  to honor nature's transition from summer to fall. 

5. Vechornytsi: Traditional Evening Gatherings One of the most ancient and beloved Ukrainian autumn traditions is  vechornytsi , an  evening party  in Ukrainian. These gatherings were planned for young people to have fun, socialize, and also build a strong community and connection, which would hopefully end in marriages. 

6. Pokrova: A Day of Significance When Ukraine adopted Christianity from the Greeks, it also embraced the Feast of  Pokrova  or the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God. One of the key traditions tied to this October 1st celebration was the  beginning of the autumn wedding season .