The Donetsk Regional Museum of Local History organised a cultural and educational event called ‘Golden Charms of Hope’ at the ‘YaMariupol’ hub in Khmelnytskyi for displaced children from Donetsk region and their families. The event was dedicated to Ukrainian Christmas traditions and the ancient art of making straw charms, which have long symbolised prosperity, protection and harmony in the home.
During the meeting, participants learned about the significance of Christmas in Ukrainian culture, as well as the symbolism of straw as one of the key elements of traditional festive decorations. Special attention was paid to straw ‘stars’ and ‘spiders’ — amulets which, according to popular belief, bring happiness and harmony to the home and protect the family from misfortune.
The practical part of the event took the form of a creative master class. Children and their parents learned basic techniques for working with straw, creating their own decorative items. Working with natural materials helped develop fine motor skills, imagination and concentration, and also had a pronounced therapeutic effect — it helped reduce anxiety and emotional tension and created a sense of inner peace and security.
The event took place in a warm atmosphere of support, trust and joint creativity. The handmade straw amulets became not only festive decorations for the participants, but also symbols of hope, protection and faith in the future.
We are confident that turning to folk traditions and cultural heritage is an important resource for the emotional recovery and cultural reintegration of families affected by the war.
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