The article is provided by www.FlowersToUkraine.com, an internet service, providing professional Gift & Flower Delivery services to Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR.

Holidays in Ukraine play very important role in establishing and strengthening personal and business relations between people, relatives, business partners, colleagues etc. It is very common in Ukraine to give business gifts to co-workers or business partners. This gift is a social gesture that may be expected in Ukraine, and will not be considered a bribe. Knowing the gift guidelines and rich Ukrainian holiday traditions will enhance your business and personal communication or may help you to find friends or loved ones. Giving high quality local products and flowers for an occasion would be an acceptable gesture, and it will show the respect for the culture, and hence the people.

There are several kinds of holidays in Ukraine:

• Personal holidays, like birthdays, anniversaries (of wedding, engagement, first date), graduation day and many others.

• Corporate, or Professional holidays. This group of holidays is one of the most important and numerous as amount of profession is large. Knowing that your friend, relative of loved ones belong to this profession, would be an exciting occasion to cheer the person up and show your respect to her/his occupation. Among professional holidays are some very popular dates, which people widely celebrate. For example, Day of Medical Worker, Day of Navy, Day of Lawyer. On these days, people of mentioned profession would get together for a party and merry time.

• Religious holidays, like Christmas, Easter, Holy Trinity Day.

• State holidays, which are official days off. These are Constitution Day, Independence Day, etc.

Below are most important Ukrainian holidays in chronological order and respective gift ideas and hints.

JANUARY

New Year - January 1: New Year's Day is one the most favorite holidays in Ukraine. In the Eve of this holiday or just on this very day everybody gives presents to each other, have fun, make fireworks, decorate pine and fur-trees, cook delicious things and lay the holiday table. The unchangeable participants of this holiday are Father Frost and his grand-daughter "Snegurochka" (The Snow Girl). The holiday lasts till next morning. Everyone who believes in good says an intimate wish and thanks God for everything good that had happened that year. And the tradition of telling fortunes at this night is very popular among young ladies and fellows, who are willing to know at least a little bit about their near future.

Many businesses close from December 31 to January 8 (until after Orthodox Christmas)

The best gifts for the New Year are: Champagne - the traditional party drink, and Gift Sets - which are usually placed under the Pine Tree (Ukrainian version of Christmas tree). The Gift Certificates from various stores in Kiev and around Ukraine would be a great gift that gives your friend or relative a freedom to choose whatever they like from the best vendors.

Orthodox Christmas - January 7: This period from 7th till 19th of January is the Saint Christmas week, when people have fun, wear fancy-dresses and walk from one home to another singing Christmas songs and all masters should give them sweets. In the night of the 7th of January (according to the orthodox calendar) Christmas is. In Christmas holidays people try to be better, purer (cleaner); it is the time when Christian values take peculiar importance (meaning), it is time for good deeds.

Christmas presents are not as common in Russia as they are in Western culture however poinsettia plant and chocolates would be a great choice for someone in Russia. As it is the last day of the fast at Christmas night the better choice for present would be fruit baskets.

Old New Year - January 14: holiday in memory of Old Calendar New Year, celebrated as a family holiday. Children and especially adults go from house to house singing special songs and playing some tunes. They should be given food and some money.

Ukrainian Unity Day (Den- Sobornosti) - January 22: This is important historical event celebrated in modern Ukraine as Day of Unity of all Ukrainians. On this day in 1919 the Treaty of Unity between Ukrainian Peoples Republic and Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic has been signed. Party mix is a good gesture to toast along with your friends in Ukraine or around the globe, as well as special Unity Bouquet.

The Student Day ( Tatiana's Day ) - January 25: in Ukraine it is a merry holiday of the students as on this very day January, 25th 1775 Emperor Elizabeth signed the decree (prepared by count Shuvalov) of the establishment of the Moscow University. It is very happy holiday for Ukrainian youth: most students take off from school earlier and get together for the wild midweek party.

Any drink or gift basket would be a great choice for this holiday.

FEBRUARY

Holiday of lovers - St. Valentine's Day - February 14: Christian martyr Valentine was condemned to the capital punishment by Roman pagans but even in such cruel conditions he didn't stop thinking of his lover-the jailer's daughter. He sent her a message full of love and tenderness.

This holiday, inherited from the Western culture, is now very popular in Ukraine.

Traditional Valentine's Chocolates and Roses would be just right for this holiday. Remember however, that 11 roses would substitute the traditional Dozen roses. The odd number of stems should be given in any occasion, except for funerals. This rule does not apply to mixed bouquets and arrangements. The Roksolana Gift Certificate from the perfume and body care store "Roksolana" would please any heart.

Another unique idea would be to send the Message in the Bottle, the Love Letter of all times.

Men's Day (formerly know as The Army Day) - February 23: This holiday is celebrated on the 23rd of February. It is our tribute of respect to all the generations of Soviet soldiers who defeated courageously our motherland from invaders. On this day all the males from boys to old men receive congratulations and presents and the military men greet each other. Women have a happy opportunity to say the warmest and the sweetest words to their lovers and to please them with signs of attention.

High Quality Armenian Cognac (or Armenian Brandy) or traditional Ukrainian Vodka would please any man on this day.

MARCH

Women's Day - March 8: March 8 became the first spring holiday in Ukraine. Up to this day, it is an official day off and both men and women of Ukraine are looking forward to this holiday. It has long lost its political meaning and is looked upon as a day to celebrate the unconditional love, sacrifice, patience, wisdom, and beauty of the Ukrainian women. It is the day of all women: mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives and girlfriends. Unlike on Mother's Day - every woman expects to receive flowers and gifts. Prices on flowers and many romantic gifts double on this holiday. This creates budget difficulties for many Ukrainian men. Any bouquet or flower arrangement ordered well in advance would be a good choice for Women's Day in Ukraine. Unlike Valentine's Day, flower giving on Women's Day is common not only for lovers, but for friends, co-workers and business partners. The Grand Gallery Gift Certificate from the leading clothing store in Kiev would make a great surprise for the person you care about.

It is also good to know that flowers carry deep meanings. A single red rose points unequivocally to the heart -- marriage. Tulips intend sympathy, while yellow tulips reveal a hidden love. An orchid praises unique beauty and a chrysanthemum -- if it's yellow -- speaks of undying youth and health. A cactus grants happiness and a long life of harvests. For more information about the meaning of different types of flowers visit Flowers Meaning page. It also has become good tradition to present perfumes and cosmetics on this day.

March 9 - Taras Shevchenko Birthday (1814-1861). This man is the most prominent Ukrainian, whose name is identified with Ukrainian soverniety. He is a poet, singer of Ukrainian soul. He is a most renown national hero and advocate of free prosperous life of all Ukraine and people of its land. This is a most sacred day for all Ukrainians all over the world, for all who know Taras Shevchenko and knows his poetry. This is a day when one would want to show its respect to those for whom Ukraine - is a Motherland, for whom Ukraine means roots, a place where his national spirit dwells in, for those who loves and enjoy Ukrainian lyrics and poetry. Many people of this day go to the monument of Taras to lay down flowers to his feets.

On this special day single flower would be as good as rich colorful bouquet of roses in basket. Just sign of your respect is all that is needed to a person for whom word Ukraine is most meaningful and important.

APRIL

Fool Day (the Day of laughter) - April 1: They say it is not a sin to laugh at everything that seems to be fun. The medical men confirm that laughter prolong the life. It is considered that those who can laugh at themselves achieve a lot.
Recently this fun holiday wasn't celebrated everywhere, but nowadays it has become a custom. Everybody tries to play a trick on others.

Space Day - April 12. On this day in 1961 the first man on Earth - Yuri Gagarin from Soviet Union - made a first trip in space. That was a tremendous breakthrough in scientific development and gave a strong push all over the world towards exploration of space. This is a great occasion to express your respect to people who are involved in scientific works and developments nowadays and present them with gift set and bottle of good tasteful cognac.

Palm Sunday - first week before Easter. One week before His resurrection Jesus came to Jerusalem as King and people carpeted His way with palm branches. As there is no palm tree in Ukraine we consecrate pussywillow branches as first spring tree that greets Jesus. Your flowers presented on this day will wonderfully accompany consecrated pussywillow branches and make home of your loved one lighter and festive.

Earth Day - April 22. In our time everyone should be environmentally conscious. On this special day established by UN and recognized worldwide all people get together to clean their neighborhoods from the waste, dirt, and to plant new trees and bushes. Growing plant in a pot, or even Bonzai tree from Japan, would be an extraordinary gift for any person, as well as sign of your appreciation of environmental day and contribution to protection of the life on Earth.

Orthodox Easter - two weeks after Catholic Easter: It is the main Christian holiday established in honor to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ crucified on the cross and to the Outcome of the Jews from Egypt. Easter is celebrate on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox and it is celebrated solemnly and merry. The date of Easter is usually determined by the church calendar and calculated according to so-called paskhalias - the special tables.

Easter Calla Lilies and Gift Baskets are good selections for this holiday.

Chornobyl Disaster Day - April 26. On this day in 1986 the biggest on Earth man-made disaster took place in Ukrainian town Chornobyl. One of reactors at nuclear power plant exploded spreading dangerous radiation around the area. Many firefighters, military and civil people courageously fought that calamity to protect the land from complete contamination and destruction, and people from the death radiation pollution. On this Day we remember those who died in that battle while saving lives to all of people in Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and around the globe. Flowers to commemorate, and moment of silence is a tribute to pay on this sorrow day.

Holy Trinity Day (or Green Sunday) - 50th days after Easter. This is one of three most important religious holidays when people decorate they houses and apartments with calamus and tree green. This tradition stems from the day when disciples saw the Holly Spirit on the tree and found themselves to be able to talk at different languages in order to preach in different countries.

You can please your friends with flowers, fruit-basket and present child with a game or toy as it is family holiday when all members of big family are together to celebrate.

MAY

The Holiday of Spring and Labor - May 1: The 1st of May is the traditional holiday of spring. It opens the sequence of other May holidays. This is the day of triumph of the nature, which is full of blossom, of birds' singing, of multicolored flowers and small balls. People have a rest both from the long frosty winter and winter troubles looking forward the summer and summer joys.

Victory Day - May 9: It is the greatest holyday for Ukrainian people. It is both joy and sorrow. But there is much more on this day because we managed to defend our independence and we won "the brown plague" and stood the test of war with dignity. A great tribute to those who lost their lives for today's peace and happiness. And eternal memory will last forever.

The carnations are commonly given flowers on this holiday, but any Spring flowers, like Tulips or Irises would make a great bouquet.

Europe Day - third weekend of May. On this weekend, Kiev and all Ukraine celebrate a day to show their unity, respect and public will to join the Union of European countries and live together with European nations. This weekend is a cultural event. Central squares of Kiev and other cities of Ukraine host concerts, performances and shows presenting European musicians, artists, as well as European cuisine. The gift sets, as well as gift certificates would be considered the best items to present to you friends who are connected to this holiday.

Kiev Day - last Sunday of May. End of May is a season when chestnut trees - the symbolic tree of Kiev - are in blossom. This is a magnificent sightseeing to observe, when the nature celebrates its rebirth, all chestnut trees are covered with spending white "candles" and gorgeous city in this land - Kiev - presents in all its Spring beauty. Many people from all around Ukraine, as well as Kiev itself, come to Kiev for the last weekend of May to join thousands of cheerful youth, kids and their parents in rejoicing spring, holiday of life. Cheerful bouquets of colorful spring flowers, bottle of good sparkling wine would be the best present to this day to show your unity to those who are in joy and celebration.

JUNE

The International Day of Children Defense - June 1: What is sunnier, joyful, and memorable than the childhood? A child gets to know the world, learns good and friendship, and finds out new in familiar things. A child is happy when he is loved, warmed fed and understood. The children are the future of the mankind. Tomorrow is in their hands. Their right for life and dignity must be respected and defended.

Children like to receive gifts on this and many other holidays, like New Year, Christmas and Birthdays, of course. Presents for children in Ukraine come in various forms: from soft toys to Lego robots or Barbie dolls.

Day of Journalist - June 6. The profession of journalist is one of the dangerous. At the same time, it is one of the important, as all people get most information from mass media, served by the journalists. Due to them we learn what happens in the world, due to them we feel ourselves a part of the large dynamic world. Do not miss this opportunity to congratulate your friend with nice flowers and sweets or delicious cake if you know that your friend is a journalist.

Day of Medical Worker - June 20 (Third Sunday of June). Whether you are healthy or sick, you would always meet these kind and respectful people in your life. This people serve to protect our lives from diseases and help us in time of sickness. On this day, all medical workers celebrate their professional holiday. On sunny Sunday doctors, nurses, health care administrators will get together for merry festivities. Nice flowers, party mix, as well as bottle of good Champaign or Cognac would be a great treat for your friend who is a doctor, nurse or health care administrator.

Day of Sorrow and Remembrance of Victims of Way - June 22. On this day in 1941 the Great Patriotic War began with the invasion of Nazi troop into Soviet Union. Long four years of war were marked with heroic battle of Soviet people and their allies for the liberation of the land. Many people, both military and civilians lost their lives in a war. This day is to remember those who fought for a freedom, and to encourage relatives of those who perished in war or modern time military action. Single flower with encouraging greeting card as well as sweets would be an acceptable way to show you care.

Constitution Day - June 28. This is a day when the constitution of modern Ukraine has been adopted. On this date in 1998 the new Constitution of the Ukraine was approved, a fundamental law of the state, one of the most important democratic institutions. It is a state holiday and official day off. The bright color seasonal floral arrangement would be a best choice for this day.

Graduation Day - Last Friday of June. The end of June is well known for its school and institutes graduations. It is time when all exams are passed and young girls and boys receive their certificates or diploma and enter new life. You may enlighten this day with unusual flowers basket, or toy as a reminder of childhood, or perfume that she would like to wear at her graduation ball. But what makes this day really unforgettable is your specially designed customized bouquet presented to your sweet lady surrounded by friends at the senior ball.

JULY

Day of Peacekeeper - July 3. In our time when military and civil conflicts spark around the globe, the new profession was born - Peacekeeper. If you know that your friend, or relatives of your friend belong to the peacekeeping forces, this is a good occasion to present your friend with gift set and uncork the Champaign to wish Peacekeeper health and longevity.

AUGUST

Navy Day - August 1 (first Sunday of August). This is a day when people in Navy and Marine troops show wide public their strength and capabilities. On this day, if you are in Crimea or have a chance to travel there, you would not want to miss this opportunity for an expressive and impressive show, and travel to earlier closed town and Navy base - Sevastopol. If you know that someone you care about served in Navy or has a relative that related to Navy and Marine forces, then sending bouquet of seasonal flowers or a party mix would strengthen your image and relations

Independence Day - August 24: is Ukraine's biggest State holiday, which commemorates the adoption in 1990 of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Ukraine.

SEPTEMBER

The Day of Knowledge - September 1: Every year after a kind hot summer on the 1st of September pupil go to their classes to continue their journey to the Land of Knowledge. While growing up they comprehend the depths of Wisdom of this Land to enter the adult life being armed with thorough Knowledge. On this day the doors of colleges, universities, and schools are also open.

The Day of Entrepreneur - September 5 (first Sunday of September). This is a professional holiday introduced in modern Ukraine to pay a tribute to a new profession that was born in recent two decades, and that gave birth to a middle class in Ukraine. Many people take a risk to create their own commercial enterprises to produce diverse goods and service, and to support an economy of the own country. Send flowers, Champaign and sweets on this day to your loved ones or their relatives, if you know that Entrepreneurship is what they do for living. You will be a part of their lives then.

OCTOBER

Teacher's Day - October 5: This special day was created to focus the World's attention on the contributions and achievements of teachers as well as their concerns and priorities.

For many students and their parents it is common to give flower bouquets and chocolates to teachers on this holiday as a special appreciation for the hard work they do. Teachers' salary in Ukraine is not very high and any gift would bring the happiness to the recipient.

Lawyer's Day - October 8. Today is Professional holiday of all the lawyers in Ukraine. Do not miss this day to present flowers in basket to your loved lawyer, and to add your voice to the merry celebration of this professional day.

October 14 - Day of Ukrainian Cossacks. Along with February 23 holiday this is a Day, which was rejoiced for ages by free Ukrainian armed men - Cossacks. The legend says that Goddess covered congregation of people along with disciple St. Andrew with Her coverlet protecting them all from enemies saving their lives and all towns from the destruction. In Ukraine this day is named as Cover Day ("Pokrova"). Cossacks considered Goddess as Patroness in all their campaigns. On this day the first snow would always cover the land. Decorate this day with sweets and gift sets as it is long winter ahead!

NOVEMBER

Day of liberation of Kiev from Nazi - November 6. On this day in 1943 the capital of Ukraine had been liberated during World War II from the Nazi troops and peaceful life returned to this land. On this day people express their respect to those who served in Armed Forces, to the aged veterans of WWII, men and women who currently serve in army and their families with bouquet of roses and gift sets.

DECEMBER

Ukrainian Army Day - December 6. On this day in 1991 the decree was sign to establish the Armed forces of Ukraine.

St. Nicolas Day - December 19. On this day parents and relatives try to surprise their kids and place small gifts, toys, books into symbolic shoes, stockings or under their pillows. Some games, soft toys, sweets or book would be a good treat for your kid or a child of your friend. St. Nicolas is the most honorable Saint on Rus in all ages. People consider him first to help with any appeal and trouble. On the December 19 he was beatified. Relics of St. Nicolas are kept in Bara city, Greece where people are cured by single touch to it. This day opens the chain of winter holidays. Every child who behaved well during the year will receive present from St. Nicolas on this day. Nowadays it became a good tradition to present gifts to every child.

BIRTHDAY TRADITION

Birthdays are very important for many Ukrainians, not just for kids, but also for adults. People organize Birthday party where they get together with friends and relatives. Every guest has to bring some gift of reasonable value. Some people may send gifts or flowers, if they can not attend the party. The most popular gift for Birthday is the Cake. There is variety of high quality cakes available in Ukraine today.

In addition to reach Birthday tradition, many Ukrainians also celebrate Name Days (Angel's Days). Many names, like Maria may have more then one associated Name Day.

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