5. The Declaration on Sovereignty of Ukraine

On the 16^th of July 1990 Ukraine declared its sovereignty. On that day the Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) of Ukraine adopted the declaration on State Sovereignty of the Ukrainian Republic. Verkhovna Rada proclaimed the state sovereignty of Ukraine to include independence, completeness and indivisibility of power in the republic on the own territory, and also independence and equality in foreign relations.

The declaration was adopted with the aim to create a democratic society, to guarantee human rights and liberties and ethnic rights for all the people, to build a law abiding state, and to help the political, economic, social and spiritual development of Ukraine.

On the 4^th of September 1991 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared its independence, and the national Ukrainian flag was hoisted over the building of Verkhovna Rada. On the 1^st of December 1991 the Referendum on Ukraine’s Independence was successful (90 per cent of the votes were for the independence of Ukraine), and Ukraine became an independent state, ruled by the law. It includes 24 administrative regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

The Declaration has 10 Articles:

1. Self-determination of the Ukrainian nation.

2. State sovereignty.

3. Government by the people.

4. Citizenship of Ukraine.

5. Territorial supremacy.

6. Economic independence.

7. Ecological security.

8. Cultural development.

9. External and domestic security.

10. International relations.

These truths are hold to prove that people of all nationalities including the Ukrainian nation are created equal. So they should build their relationships on the principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The Declaration guarantees to all citizens the rights given by their creator: among these are life, liberty, equality and security. The Declaration is the basis for the laws of Ukraine.

Nowadays, Ukraine is making efforts to create an effective economic and democratic system along with raising the country’s prestige in the international arena.

6. Signs of national identity

The Ukrainian Flag consists of two horizontal fields: blue and yellow. They seem to remind that there are two very important things for people: the peaceful blue sky and stands of yellow ripened wheat, as the symbol of welfare of our nation. The combination of the blue and yellow colours dates back to pre-Christian times.

With the blue-and-yellow flag for many years the trident symbolized the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence. In 1992 after the restoration of Ukrainian independence, the Supreme Council of Ukraine accepted the trident as the main element of the official emblem of our state.

The plant-symbol of “Kalyna” is associated with rebirth, the Universe, the fiery trinity of the Sun, Moon and stars. It takes its name from the old name for the Sun - Kolo. The berries of the kalyna are red and they symbolize blood and immortality.

Ukrainian mentality was formed influenced by many factors: geographical location at crossroads of West and East, specific climate conditions and complex historical destiny. There is a certain stereotype of the Ukrainians which is well known both in their native land and in other countries. For instance, the Ukrainians are supposed to be great eaters and to eat large amounts of their traditional food: borsch, lard and varenyky. People all over the world usually play jokes on their appetite. At the same time Ukrainians are well-known for their hospitality. It became a tradition in Ukraine to meet guests with bread and salt and to offer them Ukrainian traditional meals.

Ukrainian people are also renowned for their dancing and singing ability. They really enjoy music and many of them like to perform in choruses and folk dance groups. A stringed instrument called the bandura is regarded as distinctively Ukrainian. White blouses and shirts with embroidery, chaplets for young girls are the elements of Ukrainian national folk costume. Footwear includes red high boots for women and black high boots for men. These costumes are hardly ever worn in every day life but they are well-known signs of Ukrainian identity.