Authentic holiday decor for the New Year: a selection of ideas from 5 local museums

In 2022, the New Year's decor of Ukrainian homes will return to its roots. Authentic decorations are becoming not only a part of the festive interior, but also a way to find and discover your own identity. The team of the MHP-Hromada Charitable Foundation, which supports local museums and cultural projects, has collected a selection of ideas for festive home decorating from museum staff.

1. Didukh is a symbol of fertility and prosperity

Didukh is a sheaf of wheat or rye that symbolizes the spirit of ancestors and fertility. It is placed in a place of honor in the home as a symbol of the well-being that the family strives to maintain in the new year.

“Today, hundreds of craftsmen are restoring the traditions of didukh weaving. For many, it has become a matter of life. One of these craftsmen is Olha Sobkovych from Cherkasy, whose didukhs have been decorating our exhibitions. While for ancient Ukrainians didukh was an ordinary sheaf, in Ms. Sobkovych's modern version it turns into a real work of art. By the way, the craftswoman no longer plants part of her garden with potatoes or other vegetables, because she grows rye, wheat, spelt, and dried flowers, which she weaves into her products. Her didukhs are ordered not only all over Ukraine but also abroad,” says Vladyslav Chabaniuk, director of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve ‘Trypillia Culture’ in the village of Lehedzyne.

As an example, one of her latest works is a 1.5-meter didukh that decorates a house in Chile. And the demand for traditional Ukrainian jewelry is so great that in September the craftswoman stops taking new orders until the New Year.

2. Christmas spider - harmony in the festive interior

A spider made of straw is a traditional decoration of a Ukrainian Hut, which is especially characteristic of the northern regions of Ukraine, and now it has spread to the entire territory. In ancient times, it was hung from the ceiling in a house, where it spun at the slightest movement of air, casting bizarre shadows on the walls. In its elegance, the Spider resembled a web, symbolizing harmony and order in the world.

“The Christmas spider is not only a decoration, but also a home amulet. According to ancient beliefs, it protected the house from evil forces and brought prosperity and harmony to the family. In our museum, there is also a large spider in one of the halls. Visitors love to sit under it: according to a belief, if a person is calm, the spider does not spin quickly and stops quickly, and if they are anxious, the spider sways a lot and does not stop for a long time. Last year, thanks to the MHP-Community Foundation, we were able to open the main entrance to the museum, so this and other authentic Ukrainian exhibits can now be seen by everyone,” says Vladyslav Chabaniuk , director of the Trypillia Culture State Historical and Cultural Reserve.

Today, craftsmen continue to create these authentic decorations using traditional techniques. Thanks to these products, the ancient symbol of Christmas finds its place in modern Ukrainian homes, adding a deeper meaning to the festive atmosphere.

3. Straw decorations for the Christmas tree

Motanka dolls, stars, nuts - all of these can be created with straw. The Myronivka Museum of Local Lore in Kyiv Oblast regularly holds workshops to teach children the art of creating straw decorations.

“Straw ornaments are a real treasure that preserves the history of our people. Even when glass balls became popular in the 1960s and 70s, authentic decor continued to adorn Christmas trees. This combination of traditions creates a special atmosphere that is impossible with factory decorations,” says Inna Savsiuk , director of the Myronivka Museum of Local Lore.

In addition to aesthetic value, straw products also have a practical meaning. In ancient times, they were available to every family, because straw was the simplest material. Today, such decorations are returning to festive life as a symbol of environmental friendliness and respect for nature.

4. Yavoriv toy - a wooden classic

Wooden jewelry from Yavoriv is a true symbol of Ukrainian craftsmanship and folk art. They are distinguished by brightly colored paintings made in characteristic colors that harmoniously combine warm shades of red, yellow and green. Such products not only add to the festive atmosphere, but also carry the spirit of traditions passed down from generation to generation.

“Thanks to the support of the MHP-Hromada Charitable Foundation, which financed the publication of the art book about the Yavoriv toy, this unique tradition is not only preserved, but also gets a new lease of life. The art book introduces contemporaries to the intricacies of creating these decorations, their history and symbolism,” adds Oksana Kohut, a craftswoman and initiator of the Yavoriv Toy Museum.

Wooden ornaments are great for decorating a Christmas tree, adding an authentic look to it. They can also become a stylish accent on a festive table or a New Year's gift.

5. Vytynanky - stories cut out of paper

Vytynanky are traditional Ukrainian decorations that resemble snowflakes but far surpass them in their complexity and meaning. Each paper-cut scene tells a unique story. From simple geometric patterns to complex compositions depicting scenes of Christmas celebration.

“Vytynanky create a special atmosphere. They are like a bridge between the past and the present, preserving the spirit of Ukrainian traditions,” emphasizes Maria Pitsova, head of the ethnography department at the Poltava Regional Museum of Local Lore, which, in partnership with the NGO Union of Ukrainian Women, won the social initiative competition Time to Act, Ukraine!

At the Poltava Museum, vytynanky are an integral part of the holiday displays that reflect the region's Christmas traditions. The museum also offers workshops where children and adults can learn this art.

The peculiarity of vytynanky is their accessibility: all you need to create them is a piece of paper, scissors or a sharp knife, and a little patience. But despite the simplicity of the materials, the result always impresses with its sophistication.