Make Traditional Ukrainian Harvest Crowns

Join us to make traditional Ukrainian Harvest crowns to wear and celebrate the gifts of the season!

Initially a pagan celebration of nature, ‘Obzhynky’ (Harvest) in Ukraine and ‘Dozynki’ in other parts of Eastern Europe, became a key Orthodox celebration in 16th century. Typically, communities would gather in fields and bring the last pile of wheat to their village with a celebratory procession, singing and dancing along the way. Community leaders would tie the wheat together and local women would dance around the village with it to attract abundance for the coming year. This wheat would then be turned into a wreath or crown which is offered either to treasured guests or community leaders to wear during the celebration.

Artist Svetlana Goncharuk will guide you through how to make your very own wheat or flower crown / wreath to take home. Come along for a celebratory performance with our giant Harvest Queen, dancing and singing after you’ve made your crown!

Host or Publisher Culture Croydon