SELF-EXPRESSION IN UKRAINIAN FOLKLORE

A popular science essay on self-expression in Ukrainian folklore. One of the fundamental traits of the Ukrainian national character is self-expression. For centuries, Ukrainians have sought and found ways to express themselves — through words, dance, and ornamentation. This enduring need to be heard, to be seen in the world, and to preserve one’s identity amid centuries without statehood shaped a unique model of Ukrainian culture — one centered on the survival and continuity of the community. Text by folklorist and PhD in Philology Maryna Demediuk Narrated by Nik Lysytskiy ARCHETYPE OF THE NATION is a multimedia project exploring the foundations of Ukrainian national identity. Who were we? Who have we become? And who can — and should — we be? We look for answers in folklore and in conversations with remarkable Ukrainians. Among the guests of the project: Andrii Zelinskyi, Yevhen Klopotenko, Andrii Kozinchuk, Valerii Markus, Valeria Abdal, Raisa Zakletska, and others. Author and host — Nik Lysytskiy, writer and head of the NGO Magic World UA. Watch new episodes on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@magicworldtv⁠ Read and listen to popular science essays and folklore works on the website: ⁠https://an.magicworld.com.ua/⁠ Share your thoughts in the comments — every voice matters in this project! The project “Archetype of the Nation” was created with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation [@ucf_ua] within the Culture During the War program. The views expressed in the project do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Foundation. Media partners: Vechirnii Kyiv — ⁠https://vechirniy.kyiv.ua⁠ Depo.ua — ⁠http://depo.ua⁠ DSnews — ⁠https://www.dsnews.ua⁠