In Ukraine, flowers have become a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of the Russian invasion. Despite the hardships of war, Ukrainians are filling their cities with flowers from the country’s rural heartland as a way to connect with their roots. Flowers are seen everywhere, from planters on backroads to prisons yards, and are even depicted on banknotes and murals.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy famously brought a bouquet on a hospital visit to a teenage girl injured by Russian forces. Florists like Olha Semynog, who sells flowers in an underpass in Kyiv, have seen an increase in business, especially on International Women’s Day.
The national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower, has become a symbol of defiance and resilience in the war. Fields of sunflowers are a common sight across the country. Flowers are not only a tradition but also represent hope and healing for Ukrainians.
One example of resilience is Dobropark, a garden and recreation area west of Kyiv that was rebuilt after a Russian attack and occupation in 2020. Despite the destruction, people come to the park to reconnect with nature and find joy and beauty amidst the devastation.
Flowers have a deep cultural significance for Ukrainians, representing their connection to the land and their emotions. In the midst of war, flowers serve as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
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