Custom of "decorating crosses" in Ternopil region recognized as cultural heritage

A tradition of decorating crosses in the village of Monastyrok, Ternopil region. Photo: Ukrinform

The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has officially included the custom of "decorating crosses" along the Way of the Cross in the village of Monastyrok, Ternopil region, in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This decision formalized the status of a ritual that has been preserved by the village residents for centuries.

The ritual is performed annually on the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. Village residents decorate the 14 crosses of the Way of the Cross with flowers, healing herbs, and colorful ribbons. Preparation for the celebration begins in spring, and the crosses themselves are historically assigned to specific families who pass down their care from generation to generation.

Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna called this tradition "living memory of the community," emphasizing that it is proof of the strength of local communities in preserving their identity.

After the festive liturgy, a solemn procession takes place in the village, which concludes with the blessing of the girls who decorated the shrines. If a participant in the ritual gets married, her role passes to another representative of the family, ensuring the continuity of the tradition.

The village of Monastyrok is known for its ancient rock monastery dating from the 9th–10th centuries, with a cave church and a dolmen. In 1600, the Exaltation Basilian monastery was founded here, which largely shaped the character of local religious customs.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that 3D models of wooden churches from the 15th–19th centuries will be created in the Zakarpattia region.

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