Andriyivskyy Descent

The Andriyivskyy Descent begins on the summit of the Starokyivska Hora (Old Kiev mountain) near the ornate late-baroque Saint Andrew's Church (which gave the street its current name). The street continues on down and descends to the Podil district were it ends at the Kontraktova Square. In the past times, the descent was known as Borychiv Descent mentioned as "Боричев увоз" (Borichev uvoz) by Nestor the Chronicler in his Primary Chronicle and in the 12th century poem, The Tale of Igor's Campaign (Slovo o polku Ihorevim).[6] The descent's current name is derived from the 18th century, at the time when the Saint Andrew's Church was erected atop the hill.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the street was mainly inhabited by merchants and craftspeople.[2] Although they are long gone due to the sweeping demographic changes[7] in Kiev during times of the late Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, the street is once again thriving thanks to its unique topology, architecture, rich history and also many gift shops and small art galleries showcasing various paintings and sculptures by Ukrainian artists. The descent is one of the favorite spots for Kievans and tourists alike.[2] It is also notable for the many festivals it holds, including various art festivals[2] and the Kiev Day celebrations on the last weekend of May.[8]
The street's location in the city and its landmark attraction has made it lately a highly prestigious area, with several new luxurious restaurants. However, the descent's sewer and water systems have not been changed within the past 100 years, thereby underlining the need for a new system to be installed.[9] Although, city authorities have not yet scheduled a new sewer project system to be installed.[9]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andriyivskyy_Descent Cathy

The History of Pysanky

The art of the decorated egg in Ukraine, or the pysanka, probably dates back to ancient times. No actual ancient examples exist, as eggshells are fragile.
As in many ancient cultures, Ukrainians worshipped a sun god (Dazhboh). The sun was important - it warmed the earth and thus was a source of all life. Eggs decorated with nature symbols became an integral part of spring rituals, serving as benevolent talismans.
In pre-Christian times, Dazhboh was one of the main deities in the Slavic pantheon; birds were the sun god's chosen creations, for they were the only ones who could get near him. Humans could not catch the birds, but they did manage to obtain the eggs the birds laid. Thus, the eggs were magical objects, a source of life. The egg was also honored during rite-of-Spring festivals––it represented the rebirth of the earth. The long, hard winter was over; the earth burst forth and was reborn just as the egg miraculously burst forth with life. The egg, therefore, was believed to have special powers.
With the advent of Christianity, via a process of religious syncretism, the symbolism of the egg was changed to represent, not nature's rebirth, but the rebirth of man. Christians embraced the egg symbol and likened it to the tomb from which Christ rose. With the acceptance of Christianity in 988, the decorated pysanka, in time, was adapted to play an important role in Ukrainian rituals of the new religion. Many symbols of the old sun worship survived and were adapted to represent Easter and Christ's Resurrection.
In modern times, the art of the pysanka was carried abroad by Ukrainian emigrants to North and South America, where the custom took hold, and concurrently banished in Ukraine by the Soviet regime (as a religious practice), where it was nearly forgotten. Museum collections were destroyed both by war and by Soviet cadres. Since Ukrainian Independence in 1991, there has been a rebirth of the art in its homeland.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pysanka

-Teacher Karl

Cuisine of Ukraine

Ukrainian cuisine is very much a part of the population's culture, lifestyle and customs. Well-known for its great diversity and amazing flavors, Ukrainian cuisine has had a number of influences including Russian, Polish, German and Turkish. Popular ingredients in the cuisine of Ukraine are meat, mushrooms, vegetables, berries, fruit and herbs. As Ukrainians are extremely hospitable their meals are served in very generous quantities.

Some of the best Ukrainian cuisine is actually very simple. Many ingredients are used in what many would consider unusual combinations, creating a unique and sumptuous dish. Considered the “breadbasket of Europe”, bread is a staple in Ukraine. There are dozens of methods used in preparing breads, which are often used in rituals. Dishes often contain pickled vegetables when these are not in season and certain dishes can only be made when ingredients are available. Pastries and cakes are popular, but not very sweet.

Below we provide you with a list of uniquely Ukrainian cuisine along with a description. Why not visit our recipes page to discover how you too can create these culinary delights.

Aperitifs

Borshch – beet soup often made with meat.

Ukha – fish soup typically with carp.

Hybivka – mushroom soup.

Vinigret – beetroot salad made with beans, peas and onions.

Oseledets – pickled herring salad with onion, sunflower oil and pepper.

Kapustianyi – sauerkraut salad with oil, walnuts and mayonnaise.

Paska – Easter bread.

Korovai – braided bread used in wedding celebrations.

Babka – Easter bread containing dried fruit.

Main Course

Varenyky – boiled dumplings stuffed with fruit, potatoes, cheese and cabbage.

Holubtsi – cabbage rolls stuffed with millet or minced meat with rice.

Blyntsi – crepes served with meat, cheese, fruit or caviar.

Pechenya – roast pork, lamb, beef or veal.

Studynets – jellied meat or fish.

Kotljetys – fish or meat fritters.

Deruny – potato fritters served with sour cream or cottage cheese.

Shashlyk – type of shish kebab usually with marinated lamb and vegetables.

Dessert

Tort – cakes often made with ground walnuts or almonds instead of flour.

Kutia – a Christmas dessert with honey, nuts, poppy seeds and wheat.

Zhely – jellied fruit.

Pampushky – fried dough, similar to doughnuts.

Beverages

Kvas – made from bread with a sweet-sour taste.

Compote – dried or fresh fruit drink.

Kefir – sour milk.

from:http://www.ukraine.com/cuisine/

by:Becky