Novamova School of Ukrainian Language and Culture

You hear a song and you want to know what the lyrics mean.

Koposova Elena , one of our Novamova School of Ukrainian Language and Culture teachers, is a born musician. She knows lots of Ukrainian songs and is happy to share some of them with you, as well as her ever-positive mood despite the harsh realities on the ground.

"Ти до мене не ходи" (Ty do mene ne khody), a Ukrainian folk song belonging to the "жартівливих" (zhartivlyvykh) songs, which translates as 'humorous/playful songs'.

Which song would you like Olena to sing in one of our future videos?

Vyshyvanka Day is an international holiday, and can be celebrated by anyone, no matter where you are.

Vyshyvanka comes from the Ukrainian word vyshyvaty, which means “to embroider.” With the suffix -anka, it becomes the name for shirts, vests, and dresses embroidered in the traditional Ukrainian style. Vyshyvanka is identified by geometric patterns, bright colors, and a unique folk charm.

Vyshyvanka, additionally, is never just a shirt or a dress. It’s a longstanding symbol of unique Ukrainian culture, and when worn with pride, a symbol of national identity, unity, and strength.

At the "Три голки" (Three Needles) workshop in Kyiv, we were taught to understand the meanings behind the colors and patterns, and we even got a chance to try embroidering ourselves. Huge thanks to .vishivka , Babtsia Irka, and Svitlana Ovsiukhno for their stories and mastery.

Do you have your own vyshyvanka, and from which region does it come?

Want to get a taste of Kyiv?

Today, Kyiv is going through difficult times. Recently, the production facilities of Roshen, where the original Kyiv Cake is made, were damaged by a drone strike.
A woman passed away. The workshop was partially destroyed. Two employees were injured.

But history does not disappear. We preserve the memory.

To better understand a city, sometimes it is enough to taste its symbol. And if the capital has a signature dessert, it is the Kyiv Cake.

In 1956, a «happy accident» occurred at a confectionery factory, when egg whites were not placed in the refrigerator. Instead of a ruined batch, a new recipe was born.

What makes the cake special?

• Layers – airy, nut-based, and crisp, made from fermented egg whites and hazelnuts.

• «Charlotte» cream – a rich buttercream made with eggs, milk, and sugar, with cocoa and cognac added.

• Decoration – chestnut cream flowers, as the chestnut is a recognizable symbol of Kyiv.

The original recipe is still kept secret.

Learning culture is not just about reading textbooks.

Because – «краще один раз скуштувати, ніж сто разів почути» – «It’s better to taste it once than to hear about it a hundred times».

👉 Follow the link in bio and discover the story behind the taste of Kyiv.

Who was Ukraine's first fashion influencer?

Long before vyshyvanka became a global trend, it was popularized by writer Ivan Franko (1856–1916).

In the late 19th century, he sparked a fashion revolution by combining the traditional embroidered shirt with a classic European jacket. 🪡

Until then, vyshyvanka was considered exclusively rural clothing, while the urban elite wore strict formal suits. Franko challenged this stereotype, proving that national flair is not only relevant, but also incredibly cool. 😎

Soon, progressive students and the intelligentsia began to embrace this bold fusion. The once ancient symbol transformed into a stylish staple of the urban wardrobe, which remains a fashionable style and powerful symbol to this day.

Want to see this legendary outfit with your own eyes? 🤔 Just pull a 20-hryvnia banknote out of your wallet and take a look at the portrait of this stylish rebel!





#вишиванка