On the problem of preserving the traditional calendar, customs and ritual culture of Ukrainians in Slobozhanshchyna (based on materials of folklore and ethnographic research)

Relevance. The study is devoted to the preservation of the traditional customs and ritual culture of calendar holidays of Ukrainians of Slobozhanshchyna in the conditions of globalization and challenges of the present. Nowadays, when large-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the preservation of national heritage as a marker of Ukrainian identity acquires special importance. This problem for modern society is extremely relevant and especially significant during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The aim of the research was to study the traditional calendar, customs and ritual culture of the Slobozhans based on written and archival sources, scientific works and materials of their own field notes recorded from respondents in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, as well as to determine the state of preservation of the traditional customs and ritual culture of calendar holidays of Ukrainians in the Slobozhan region. Methods. The presented work is based on the principles of scientific knowledge, applying general scientific methods – historicism, generalization, a systematic approach to comprehensive study. At the same time, the empirical-theoretical method was used to highlight a reliable analysis of the topic in a single semantic whole, and the methods of direct observation, interviewing and audio recording of field ethnographic material were used to clarify the current state of calendar rituals in the studied historical and ethnographic region. Results. The state of preservation of the festive customs and ritual culture of the Slobozhans (temple holidays, memorial motifs, entertainment and game traditions) is analyzed, and common and distinctive features are presented in comparison with other regions of Ukraine. The value of the research conducted in the regions of Slobozhanshchyna lies in the authenticity and reliability of the records, which are an important source for a wide range of ethnologists and folklorists. The materials of the folklore and ethnographic expedition are placed in the fundamental multi-volume work «Ethnographic Image of Modern Ukraine» and «Ethnographic Image of Ukrainians Abroad», periodicals, collections of scientific works, etc. Conclusions. Therefore, the customs and rituals of the calendar holidays of Slobozhanshchyna are the best heritage of the national culture that the people have cherished for centuries. However, studying the customs and rituals of Slobozhanshchyna, we came to the conclusion that its archaic layer (i.e., ancient forms) has not been sufficiently preserved in the region. The memories of the respondents were mainly based on the traditions of previous generations of the family. Rarely did anyone personally participate in the rituals or adhere to ancient traditions. However, a certain customs and rituals culture exists to this day. The rich and valuable folklore and ethnographic material collected by us in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine is important for presenting the national identity of the region, complements the treasury of the customs and rituals of the Slobozhans, and demonstrates the commonality of traditions of a single people. We hope that the folklore and ethnographic material we have collected, in addition to its undeniable value as an important scientific source, will continue to have applied significance, in particular when compiling ethnographic and linguistic atlases, various thematic works, and when preparing lecture courses for students and postgraduates.