The Ukraine is a land of very many interesting traditions and customs. Some customs are better known than others and we’ve covered some here already. Here are a few more that we found to help you out while you visiting Ukraine.
- Never put an empty bottle on a table unless it is an alcoholic drink bottle for safety reasons. If the bottle is from a non-alcoholic drink, it is customary to put the empty bottle on the floor.
- Whoever pours the first drink of the evening becomes the ‘bartender’ for the rest of the night. It’s unlikely to ‘change hands’ midstream.
- It is bad luck to shake hands across the threshold of a door.
- Kindly relinquish you coat, briefcase, baggage, or hat at the entrance of an upscale dining establishments. It is expected.
- Never whistle inside a house or else there will be no money in the house.
- Make note of an Ukrainians right hand and their ring finger as they wear their wedding bands on the right hand and not the left.
- Never throw a birthday party for Ukrainian before their birthday as it is considered bad luck.
- If you are a single girl, never sit at the corner of a table or you will not be married within the next seven years.
- It is bad luck to return to your house after you’ve left for a trip to retrieve something you forgot. If you have to return to the house, glance in a mirror first to reduce the bad luck’s effect.
- Do not be offended if a Ukrainian does not take money from your hand if you’ve only met them for the first time. They make ask you to put it elsewhere and they will pick it up. After that initial meeting, they will accept money from you.
- Never take the garbage out in the evenings.
- Never repay loans in the evening.
- Never sweep the floor of your home after a member of the household leaves for a trip until you know they have safely arrived.
