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Customs & Traditions in Ukraine

Updated: Nov 9, 2021

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Traditions and customs vary by region in Ukraine. Here is the basic Etiquette in Ukraine.



General Etiquette


  • Ukrainians are honest people and will express their emotions freely no matter if they are positive or negative.

  • Ukrainians are curious people, so they may ask you personal questions like inquires about salaries, political and religious views, etc.

  • It is a bad manner to sit on the floor, or the ground, or on the stairs.

  • It is forbidden to walk and sit on the grass in many public places, especially where flowers grow.

  • It is considered bad manners to talk loudly, to talk waving hands, etc.

  • Ukrainians also have a strong emphasis on respecting the elders, so one is expected to give up seats to elderly people in public transportation.

  • Ukrainians are proud of their country and heritage. While they may often talk negatively about a variety of things in Ukraine, we would advise foreigners not to do the same, keep discussions neutral, and let Ukrainians criticize their country.



Naming

  • Ukrainian names are composed of the First names + Middle name+ Last name.

  • The First name, which is the person’s given name, the Middle name, which is a patronymic, or the father’s first name formed by adding "-vich" or "-ovich" for a male and "-avna", "-ovna", or "ivna" for a female. Example The son of Alexi would have a patronymic of Alexivich while the daughter’s patronymic would be Alexivina.

  • Last name, which is the family or surname.

  • In formal situations, people use all three names.

  • Friends and close colleagues may refer to each other by their first name and patronymic.