Ukraine is eagerly anticipating the potential addition of two significant cultural traditions to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The art of Ukrainian Pysanka, intricately decorated Easter eggs, and the musical heritage of Kobzar-lirnyk performers could receive global recognition as early as next year.
In a historic move, Ukraine submitted three nominations for the UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the first time in 2023. Two of these nominations, expected to undergo review next year, carry immense cultural value. Collaborating with the Republic of Estonia, Ukraine presented the international nomination titled “Ukrainian Pysanka: Tradition and Art.” Additionally, the “Practice of Safeguarding the Kobzar-lirnyk Tradition” was put forth for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. The third nomination, focused on the “Technique of Executing White-on-White Embroidery in Reshetylivka, Poltava Oblast,” awaits consideration in the 2025 cycle.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, expressed his hope for a positive outcome, aiming for the inclusion of these cultural treasures in the UNESCO Lists by the end of 2024. Recognition by UNESCO would symbolize the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of independence and a prosperous future.
It’s worth noting that Ukraine already boasts remarkable elements inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. These include the Petrykivka decorative painting, celebrated as a quintessential example of Ukrainian ornamental folk art, the Tradition of Kosiv painted ceramics, and the invaluable Ornek – Crimean Tatar ornament and its associated knowledge. Furthermore, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding features the enchanting Cossack songs of the Dnipropetrovsk region and the cherished Culture of preparing Ukrainian borscht.
The potential addition of Ukrainian Pysanka and Kobzar-lirnyk traditions to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists would further strengthen Ukraine’s rich cultural legacy and promote its preservation for generations to come.
