On December 23, paratroopers of the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade, undergoing rehabilitation after injuries, unveiled Ukraine’s largest trident made of wheat sheaves in Lviv. This project, part of the “MHP Nearby” reintegration program for military personnel and veterans, now stands in front of the Taras Shevchenko monument.
The art of weaving wheat sheaves was taught to the defenders by 91-year-old craftswoman Pelahiya Zhivko from the Lviv region.
Culture as a Rehabilitation Tool
According to Olena Zhivko, head of the NGO “Volunteers’ Union” and a veteran, the event aims to support soldiers during rehabilitation while highlighting the role of culture in the fight for identity. “Culture is crucial for transmitting and spreading our values. Pelahiya Zhivko, who survived five wars and persecution, preserved traditions by weaving wheat sheaves every Christmas. She now inspires younger generations by passing on her skills,” Zhivko shared.
Materials for the Trident: Wheat and Rye
The trident was constructed using 30 bundles of wheat from the fields of “Zakhid-Agro MHP” in Lviv region and 7 bundles of rye brought from Volyn by “MHP-Buffalo.”
Victor Koryahin, director of the Western MHP Hub, emphasized the importance of art therapy in rehabilitation: “Weaving sheaves not only calms and alleviates stress but also preserves Ukrainian traditions. I encourage everyone to visit this unique trident crafted by our Defenders.”
Support from Partners and a Symbol of Resilience
The project, initiated by the NGO “Volunteers’ Union,” was supported by the MHP-Community Charitable Foundation and the Lviv Regional State Administration. According to Oleksandr Pakholiuk, the foundation’s director, this trident symbolizes resilience and creativity, helping soldiers in their mental recovery journey.
Christmas Traditions in Lviv
During Christmas and New Year, Lviv hosts numerous cultural events for locals and visitors, offering opportunities to delve into Ukrainian traditions and embrace the unity carried through centuries.