ヴィービーカとアルコノスト

　　
　ウクライナは11月から3月の5か月間は気温が氷点下まで下がり、曇り空が続き気持ちも落ち込むことが多くなります。日が短いことも影響があるかもしれません。ウクライナのサマータイムは3月下旬から10月下旬までで、日暮れは、夏は20時30分頃、冬は16時30分頃となり、日本の夏が18時30分頃に暗くなることに驚きました。また、約8,200km離れた祖国の家族と話す時、7時間の時差により日付が違うので、過去と未来がつながっているようで面白いと感じています。
　
　鎌ケ谷市民まつりでは、ウクライナブースを出展し参加しました。
　お越しくださった皆様、ありがとうございました。まだ、日本語が上手に話せませんでしたが、皆さんと交流できてとても楽しく嬉しかったです。ブースでは、「ヴィービーカ」という伝統的な柄やシンボルを木に彫ったものをスタンプにして、布に模様をつくる伝統工芸を体験していただきました。日本でも布に柄を描く文化はありますが、それぞれの国の文化には独自のシンボルや込められた意味があります。
　

Vibiyka and Alkonost

November is one of the most depressing months in Ukraine as you Japanese has ‘Spring blues` we have November.
At this time of year, you especially understand how much the sun affects our mood.
But, if we talk about the duration of daylight hours, in Ukraine it is longer. I was very surprised when I discovered that in the land of the rising sun, the Sun sets so early, and in the summer after 18:30 it already becomes dark. In Ukraine in summer the sun stays with us until 20:30 and only in winter on the streets of Kyiv and Lviv darkness comes at 16:30 just like here. (in Japan)
I am separated from my family not only by 8198.6 km, but also by 7 hours of time. It's interesting to live on the same planet and communicate from the past to the future.

　
Recently a festival (name) was held in Kamagaya.Where I took part, thanks to everyone who attended this event. And sorry that my Japanese is still bad, but I was really happy to meet people all of you there.

　
At our booth, people experienced to make Ukrainian traditional craft which called ‘Vibiyka’. The traditional patterns and symbols are carved into wood was used for a stamp. People did stamp these on a bag or other fabric.
This method of applying a pattern to fabric existed in many countries and in Japan, but every culture has its own patterns and symbols, as well as the meanings embedded in them.
I will tell you about one perhaps most unusual character for you, namely Alkonost - a bird with the head and arms of a maiden.
　　
In Slavic culture, this bird, an inhabitant of paradise, portends good luck and happiness. Alkonost periodically appears on Earth. She flies around the world, calming storms and thunderstorms. Her singing fills people's hearts with love and happiness.
I really hope that this bird will soon fly over our warring world and calm the wars and storms.
　
I will never tire of thanking you for supporting us, helping Ukraine and my family. Thank you very much.