A Вінок (Vinok), or Ukrainian wreath or flower crown, is traditionally worn by girls and unmarried women at festivals, on holy days, and during their wedding ceremony. Originally it was made by weaving together grasses and flowers (fresh, paper, or waxen) and decorated with bright ribbons. Each flower had a symbolic meaning – roses for love, lilies for purity and innocence, daises for peace and tenderness, and sunflowers for faithfulness and loyalty. The types of herbs and grasses used as well as the colors of the ribbons all had distinct symbolism. During the Kupalo festival, a pagan holiday which marks the end of the summer solstice, young women would place their wreaths in the water with a lighted candle. If the wreath floated it would float towards the man they would marry (or sometimes a man would retrieve the wreath in the hopes of winning the young woman’s affection). If the vinok stayed in one place, the woman would never marry. If either the candle blew out or the wreath sank, she would suffer misfortune or even death.
Today, the vinok has become a symbol of Ukrainian pride and often women will wear them in everyday life. I noticed on Facebook, a number of genealogists of Ukrainian descent making their own vinok and displaying them on their front doors or gates as a symbol of Ukrainian pride and support of the Ukrainian people during this war. For approximately $30, I was able to design my own vinok from materials found at Michaels, Amazon, and Walmart. I am not a crafty or creative person, but after a few hours and burning my fingers several times with a hot glue gun, I managed to piece together a beautiful wreath which I am proudly displaying on my gate.
Have you made any crafts lately that is unique to your ancestry, or have you displayed or shared your family history in a creative way? If so, please send me your ideas and photos.
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