Symbolism of space and ritual-healing practices in the traditional dwelling of the Dnipro Ukraine region in the second half of the 20th century
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2026.162.21
Keywords:
Dnipro region, traditional Ukrainian house, sacred space, symbolism of dwelling, ritual practices, amulets, folk beliefs, healing practicesAbstract
Background. The traditional hut of the Dnieper region of the second half of the 20th century is considered as a holistic symbolic space, within which spatial zoning and interior elements become carriers of spiritual, ritual and healing-magical practices. The main attention of the article is focused on the key elements of the dwelling (stove, penance, icons, textiles, home amulets) as symbolically loaded loci associated with folk beliefs and ideas about protection, treatment and harmonization of space.
The scientific novelty lies in the interpretation of the traditional rural dwelling of the Dnieper region of the second half of the 20th century as a cultural phenomenon, where the internal zoning and filling of the interior are considered not only in the functional, but also in the symbolic dimension. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results in local history, educational and museum activities, as well as in the preservation and popularization of cultural heritage.
Methods. The research methodology is based on a combination of ethnographic analysis of field materials, oral testimony and interpretation of living space in the context of modern anthropological approaches to the study of everyday life. The work uses historical-comparative, descriptive-analytical and structural-functional methods, which made it possible to trace the symbolic meaning of interior elements in the traditional culture of the population of the Dnieper region.
Results. It was established that the internal organization of the hut functioned as a system of symbolic organization of space, which ensured the implementation of protective, ritual and healing practices. The stove, the penitentiary, home textiles and sacred interior items performed not only household, but also symbolic functions associated with ideas about the protection of the home and the well-being of the family. The idea of the presence of the "housekeeper" emphasized the perception of the hut as a holistic spiritual environment.
Сonclusions. It is proven that the traditional Ukrainian dwelling was not only a form of housing, but also a cultural model of the world, within which ideas about order, protection, health and spiritual well-being of the family were reproduced, and the organization of the interior ensured the preservation of traditional worldview principles. The results obtained emphasize the significance of living space as a carrier of the intangible cultural heritage of Ukrainians.
References
Artiukh, L. (2022). Traditional Ukrainian cuisine in the folk calendar. Baltiia-Druk. [in Ukrainian]
Chepak, O. V. (2025). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 6, Ark. 2), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Chubinsky, P. (1872). Proceedings of the ethnographic-statistical expedition to the Western Russian region (Vol. 1, pp. XII–XIII). Saint Petersburg. [in Russian]
Danylevych, A. (2024). Everyday beliefs of Ukrainians in the 20th century based on the example of healers. Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. History Series, 158(1), 34–39. [in Ukrainian] https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2024.158.5
Danyliuk, A. (2008). Ancient architecture of the Ukrainian village: Ethnographic essay. Naukova Dumka. [in Ukrainian]
Dzyubka, M. F. (2012). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 5, Ark. 5), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Hrymych, M. (Ed.). (2016). Folk culture of Ukrainians: The life cycle of a person (in 5 vols.). Dulyby. [in Ukrainian]
Khozhaienko, Yu. (2023). Phraseological units with the component “bread” as a manifestation of Ukrainian identity. Scientific Notes. Philological Series, 207, 290–293. [in Ukrainian] https://doi.org/10.32782/2522-4077-2023-207-44
Lozko, H. (2006). Ukrainian ethnology. ArtEk. [in Ukrainian]
Masnenko, V., & Rakshanov, V. (2012). Ukrainian house. Brama Ukraina. [in Ukrainian]
Naulko, V. (2015). Traditional culture of Ukrainians: Material and spiritual aspects. Akademvydav. [in Ukrainian]
Nesterenko, O., & Snihyrova, L. (2022, June 7). House amulets. Amulets of the Ukrainian people. [in Ukrainian] https://nibu.kyiv.ua/exhibitions/565/
Okhrimenko, T. G. (2013). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 4, Ark. 2), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Okopna, N. I. (2011). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 3, Ark. 7), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Oriekhovych, O. (2020, October 6). About the Ukrainian house. Chernihiv Compatriots Society. [in Ukrainian] https://chz.org.ua/pro-ukrainsku-khatu/
Shcherbakivsky, D. (1926). Ukrainian art. Part 2: Bukovinian and Galician wooden churches, grave and roadside crosses, figures and chapels. Kyiv–Prague. [in Ukrainian]
Shcherbakivsky, D. (2008). Kozak Mamai: Artistic and ethnographic works. Fakt. [in Ukrainian]
Skrypnyk, H. (1991). Traditional beliefs and worldview of Ukrainians. Soviet School, 3, 25–31. [in Ukrainian]
Skrypnyk, H., & Kurochkin, O. (1993). Folk beliefs, demonology, cosmogony. Ukrainian Past, 17, 205–226. [in Ukrainian]
Storozhuk, O. I. (2011). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 8, Ark. 1), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Shulga, L.P. (2011). Appendix 3: List of respondents. F. 59 (P. 1, Od. zb. 3, Ark. 17), Archival Fund of the Interdepartmental Training Laboratory «Center for Underwater Archaeology, Archaeological and Ethnological Research», Faculty of History, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine [in Ukrainian].
Sushko, V. (2024). Vernacular architecture and housing of Slobozhanshchyna Ukrainians. Materials for Ukrainian Ethnology, 23(26), 111–121. [in Ukrainian] https://doi.org/10.15407/mue2024.23.111
Symonenko, I. (2023). Building rituals of Middle Dnipro region in the second half of the 20th century: Prohibitions and omens in the selection of building materials. Ethnic History of European Nations, 70, 37–47. [in Ukrainian] https://doi.org/10.17721/2518-1270.2023.70.05
Vovk, H. (Ed.). (1899–1929). Materials for Ukrainian-Ruthenian ethnology (Vols. 1–22). Shevchenko Scientific Society. [in Ukrainian]
Voitovych, V. (2002). Ukrainian mythology. Lybid. [in Ukrainian]
