A symbol of freedom and unity: the largest trident of the Didukhs in Ukraine was installed in Lviv

Trident in Lviv, made of grandfathers, photo: Lviv City Council

The largest trident in Ukraine, made of 340 didukhs (Ukrainian Christmas decoration made from a sheaf of wheat, — note), was installed in Lviv. Its height is over seven meters.

The Didukh was woven by wounded servicemen of the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Galician Brigade under the watchful guidance of 96-year-old Lviv resident Pelahiia Zhyvko, the Lviv City Council said.

During her life, the woman survived five wars, deportation, and imprisonment. However, despite intimidation and persecution by the Soviet authorities, the woman wove a didukh every year for Christmas.

«For me, this trident is the most important in my life and in the life of our Ukraine. It went through Kazakhstan, Siberia — I knitted it everywhere. Although I was persecuted, letters were written against me, they called me a Banderіvka (pejorative term for Ukrainians who support sovereignty from Russia, — note), but I am proud of it. I thank our military, with whom we knitted this trident together. And God grant that we will wait for our victory together», she said.

Trident in Lviv, made of grandfathers, photo: Lviv City Council

According to Andrii Boichuk, a soldier of the 80th SAAGB, the didukhs were woven from rye, oats, and wheat. The process itself became a kind of therapy for the defenders who were wounded at the front.

«This is a symbol of our unity, our traditions, which we do not forget and cherish. We want to show our strength and will, which will never be defeated by the enemy. This trident is a symbol of our soldiers who protect the Ukrainian lands, a symbol of a paratrooper who stands in a hot spot until his last breath», added the military man.

It should be noted that didukh is a Ukrainian Christmas decoration made of spikelets, a symbol of the ancestor-patron, as well as a symbol of harvest, prosperity and wealth. Didukh looks like a vertically placed sheaf, consisting of the best grain, and can be decorated with colored threads, ribbons, flowers, and fruits.

We would like to remind you that in Mykolaiv during the Christmas holidays, on December 24 and 25, the FAMILY PALACE family cafe chain, together with the team of the Flower Gallery «Terika», will visit the city's establishments with carols.

The organizers note that the goal of the event is raising funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and popularizing Ukrainian traditions.

Despite the fact that this year the city authorities of Mykolaiv refused to celebrate and did not install the traditional main Christmas tree, local businesses are trying to create a festive atmosphere. Festive installations have already appeared on the facades of some establishments, attracting the attention of passers-by, giving a feeling of comfort even in cool winter weather.

Read also about the cost of live Christmas trees in Mykolaiv. NikVesti visited Christmas tree sales points and found out what price Christmas trees are being sold for this year and from which cities they are brought to Mykolaiv.