Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

As part of the Iordan celebrations, after a Divine Liturgy at church there was often an outdoor water blessing at an ice cross. Here is a look at how the ice cross is built at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, when the event is hosted at our museum. English Video - https://youtu.be/GyyB3bZ9fjo Ukrainian Video - https://youtu.be/rkcMTT_2hMg

Crosses were placed in the doorways of homes, barns and granaries on January 18th. The pioneers believed that the crosses would protect their families and buildings from harm in the coming year. Learn how to create your own wax cross in this video. English Video - https://youtu.be/otznJzKrPm0 Ukrainian Video - https://youtu.be/z2KBl-jbm2M

Didukh (Ддух) refers to a sheaf of wheat and means spirit of the ancestors. A didukh was traditionally brought into the home on Christmas Eve to represent the spirits of ancestors being part of the holy evening. After Christmas, the wheat is placed on the ground in the form of a cross and burned. Pioneers jumped over the smoke to ensure good luck for the coming year. English Video - https://youtu.be/HOGowmSZIko Ukrainian Video - https://youtu.be/941KmcbNkFc

Religion was an important part of life for the Ukrainian pioneers. As they settled in east central Alberta, many pioneers prayed in their homes before churches were built in rural communities and town sites. English Video - https://youtu.be/YFePi2cyX-s Ukrainian Video - https://youtu.be/5L5U-TB5JZ0

This year, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village will be celebrating our annual Feast of Jordan (Iordan) event virtually. This event recognizes an important holy day of the Ukrainian church calendar, the Feast of the Theophany, which is observed annually to commemorate the baptism of Christ. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram on January 18 and 19 to learn about the significance and traditions associated with this important holiday.

Are you a teacher that would like to bring the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village into your classroom? Our virtual programs give student the opportunity to interact with one of our interpreters, while learning about Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta, and the traditions the pioneers brought with them. For more information, or to book a program, please visit our website at https://ukrainianvillage.ca//2020-21-fall-and-winter-progr

We are now closed for the 2020 season. Thank you to everyone who visited our museum and followed the guidelines provided. Stay tuned for information on our opening date for the 2021 season.

Happy #UkrainianCanadian Heritage Day! Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage can be traced back to 1891, when the first Ukrainian immigrants made their homes here. We celebrate this rich culture and their many contributions to this province with Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day.

Today is your last chance to visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village for the 2020 season! We are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step back in time as our costumed interpreters tell you about Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta prior to 1930. There is something to see and do for all ages. And bring your appetite - the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society serve traditional Ukrainian food at the concession.