Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day with Clever Hedgehog
The Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted on August 24, 1991. That means in 2025, it will be 34 years since Ukraine became independent.
Ukrainian traditions and the Ukrainian language are treasures that carry the strength of generations and its great desire for freedom and independence! Today, Ukraine is going through very difficult times, but keeps hope that one day soon, we will celebrate this special day in a happy and peaceful Ukraine!
Let us respect and preserve the treasures of the Ukrainian nation!💙💛
Clever Hedgehog has some fun activities for children, and interesting facts about Ukraine and its Independence Day with you!
In this post:
What is Independence?
Independence means that a country can take care of itself. 🌍
It decides how people live, what rules everyone should follow, and who will be the leaders.
It doesn’t have to listen to another country. You get to make your own choices, but you also have to be responsible for them! 💡
A Short History of Ukraine for Kids
👑 Kyivan Rus (more than 1,000 years ago)
Thousands of years before the first big cities formed on the land we now call Ukraine, ancient farmers, Trypillians, Scythians, Sarmatians, Cimmerians, and Goths settled there. Many, many years later, before the 9th century, many Slavic tribes joined together to form a new powerful state called Kyivan Rus. The capital was Kyiv. Princes ruled this land, and it became very rich from trade because it stood between Europe and Asia. In 988, Prince Volodymyr the Great made Christianity the main religion, which brought schools, books, and churches.
⚔️ Hard Times and New Rulers
After a few hundred years, Kyivan Rus became weaker. Different groups of people, like the Mongols, came and attacked. Later, parts of Ukrainian lands were ruled by Poland, Lithuania, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
🛡️ The Cossacks
In the 16th and 17th centuries, brave warriors called Cossacks lived in Ukraine. They were famous horsemen who loved freedom. The most famous Cossack leader, Bohdan Khmelnytsky, fought for Ukrainians.
⚔️ New Struggles
For a long time, much of Ukraine was controlled by the Russian Empire. The Ukrainian language, songs, religion, and traditions were not always allowed, and a different language and traditions were imposed. But the Ukrainians kept their culture alive through stories, poems, and songs.
In 1917, Ukrainians tried to gain independence for their country, but due to World War I, they were unable to realize their dream at that time. Later, Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union. During this time, Ukrainians suffered a lot — especially during the Holodomor (the Great Famine in 1932–1933), when millions of people died.
🇺🇦 Independence in 1991
Finally, on August 24, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent country. People were so happy — they waved blue-and-yellow flags, sang songs, and celebrated together.
🌻 Ukraine Today
Today, Ukraine celebrates its 34 years of independence. Ukraine is a country that loves freedom, its beautiful language, and traditions. Ukrainians are proud of their history, from Kyivan Rus to independence. Even though Ukraine is still fighting for peace and safety, its people are strong, brave, and full of hope. 💙💛
Fun facts about Ukraine and its Independence Day
Clever Hedgehog has some interesting facts about this day. Let’s read some together!
1. The Independence Day of Ukraine was celebrated for the first time on July 16, 1991. The date was later moved to August 24.
2. A draft of the Act on the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was written in a regular school notebook.
3. The text of the Act consisted of 93 words, was typed on a typewriter, and fit on one piece of paper.
Your Bonus Gift – Printables for Kids
Symbols of Ukraine
When a country becomes independent, it introduces new national symbols that represent its individuality. Ukraine has special state symbols as well:
Flag: The Ukrainian flag is blue and yellow. The blue represents the sky, and the yellow represents the fields of wheat.
Coat of Arms: The Ukrainian coat of arms is called the Tryzub, which means “trident.” It’s a special symbol that shows a strong and rich Ukrainian history.
Anthem: The national anthem of Ukraine is called “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy ni slava ni volya” (“Ще не вмерла України ні слава, ні воля”), which means “Ukraine’s glory and freedom have not yet perished.” Listen >>>
How to draw a Ukrainian trident
The trident is an ancient symbol, pictures of it can be found across ancient Ukrainian lands. Its segments form the word «liberty» (воля).
Try to draw a trident like the one in the picture.
Let’s Read – “SUNFLOWER AND BANDURA“
Fun Activities for Children (5-10 y.o.)
Can you spot 4 differences?
Can you solve the quiz?
Clever Hedgehog made up a quiz about Ukrainian Independence Day. Let’s see what you remember!
1. What colors are on the Ukrainian flag?
- b
- b
- a
Let’s Draw Something Nice
How to draw the coat of arms of Ukraine
How to draw National Flag of Ukraine
Let’s Sing Ukrainian Songs
Tags: I explore the world, Motherland, Independence Day of Ukraine, about Ukraine’s Independence Day for children, what is the motherland, symbols of Ukraine, About Ukrainian Independence Day for Kids, A Short History of Ukraine for Kids
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