The Sunflower: National Flower of Ukraine

Flowers in Ukraine: Introduction

Flowers have always played an important role in Ukrainian culture. So much so, they’ve named the sunflower the national flower of Ukraine. The love for flowers in Ukraine started back when blooming plants were an integral part of many aspects of people’s lives. Ukrainians wove sunflowers into wreaths for girls during celebrations, embroidered them on fabric and clothes, carved them on wooden furniture and household items, and even painted them on walls. The flowers that embellished dresses and shirts didn’t have a merely decorative meaning. People also used them to protect the wearer against evil spirits, bad fortune and illness. Embedded in national folklore, you can find sunflowers in traditional Ukrainian songs, poetry, and art.

The Sunflower: National Flower of Ukraine