The art of making a wedding feather wreath in the village of Velykyi Kliuchiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region, has been added to the national list of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture reported on Friday, writes UNN.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has included the art of making a wedding feather wreath in the village of Velykyi Kliuchiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region, in the National List of Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine
About the tradition
The bride’s feather wreath, as noted, is one of the most solemn and symbolic elements of the traditional wedding attire of the village of Velykyi Kliuchiv. It has a large round shape, reminiscent of a crown, and emphasizes the special status of the bride — the central figure of the wedding ceremony.
The base of the wreath consists of densely laid white goose feathers, formed into numerous soft flowers that evenly cover its entire surface. Similar feather flowers also adorn the groom’s hat.
The wreath is richly decorated with multi-colored floral elements and beads. In the center is an ornamental composition of golden, red, and green details, which serves not only a decorative but also a protective function.
The colors of the decoration have deep symbolic meaning: white symbolizes purity, maiden innocence, and light; red — life, love, and continuation of the family; green — youth, fertility, and connection with nature; and gold — the sun, prosperity, and blessing.
The feather wreath is combined with a rich necklace and traditional embroidered attire, forming a complete wedding ensemble. It symbolizes the girl’s transition to a new social status, and its splendor and decorative richness emphasize the solemnity of the ceremony and the high aesthetic level of the local tradition.
The technology of making the wreath is preserved and passed on by older craftswomen, teaching their daughters and granddaughters directly during preparations for wedding ceremonies. Despite the fact that in the 1990s the tradition mostly existed in the format of theatrical reenactments, since the 2000s it has returned to real wedding practice.
