In Ukraine, flowers have become a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of Russia’s 2022 invasion. Despite the hardships of war, Ukrainians use flowers to reconnect with their roots and express emotions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy famously brought flowers to a hospital visit to a teenage girl injured in the war. Flower vendors like Olga Semynog sell bouquets at affordable prices, with March 8th being their busiest day. Flowers are seen everywhere in Ukraine, from gardens in front of destroyed homes to murals and banknotes.
Sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower, symbolize defiance and resilience. Fields of sunflowers are a common sight across the country and are used to express hope and healing. Despite the destruction caused by the war, places like Dobropark have been rebuilt to provide a space for people to reconnect with nature and find joy and beauty in their surroundings.
Florist Iryna Bielobrova, who fled to the Netherlands during the war, emphasizes the importance of flowers in Ukrainian culture and traditions. She has returned to Ukraine and continues to advocate for the use of flowers as a means of expressing emotions and telling stories. Ultimately, flowers in Ukraine not only stand for tradition but also serve as a symbol of hope and healing in the midst of conflict and destruction.
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