Finding Light in Darkness
The unwavering resilience of Ukrainian people in the face of war: is there really anything to celebrate in this holiday season?
Updated 11:29 pm EST, December 19, 2024
Published 02:12 am EST, December 12, 2024
Featuring Artwork by Iryna Sushelnytska
Finding Light in Darkness
The unwavering resilience of Ukrainian people in the face of war: is there really anything to celebrate in this holiday season?
Updated 11:29 pm EST, December 19, 2024
Published 02:12 am EST, December 12, 2024
Featuring Artwork by Iryna Sushelnytska
The Phoenix is a legendary bird of otherworldly beauty, radiant with red and golden feathers. It is said to live for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, traveling across distant lands and keeping away from human eyes. But when the Phoenix senses that its time is nearing an end, it embarks on a journey to a sacred place where, as legends tell, its ancestor was first born.
Atop a palm tree or on a sandy hill, it builds a nest from the most fragrant herbs, resinous branches, and flowers with a sharp yet sweet aroma that seems to call to the Sun’s rays. As the Sun dips below the horizon, its last beams fall on the Phoenix’s nest, igniting a golden flame. The bird burns in its own fire, crumbling into ashes, but with the first light of dawn, a new Phoenix rises from the remnants—young, vibrant, and ready to begin its long journey once more.
This is just one of many tales about the mythical bird. Some cultures say that from the Phoenix’s ashes, a small egg emerges, which gradually hatches to reveal the new bird. In others, it is said that the ashes are collected in a unique urn and taken to a temple, where the Phoenix is reborn under the watch of priests.
But all legends agree on one thing: the Phoenix represents rebirth, eternal life, and a spirit that endures, even after the darkest night. Right now, on the eve of important dates and Christmas holidays, we are preparing to ask ourselves important questions: have we fulfilled our dreams? Have we justified our hopes? Have we become a step closer to them? Do we have anything to celebrate?
No matter where we come from, what language we speak, and where we are, we all have something in common – we need hope for the future, memory of the past, and a sense of stability and confidence in the present. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a peaceful country or in a country where war is raging. Still, we look for these precious moments of hope, stability, or memories amidst devastation or comfort.
Celebrating Survival
Is there anything to celebrate in my native Ukraine—a land wounded a thousand times over, bathed in the tears of millions, and covered with the scars of war? Or, for that matter, anywhere in this world of billions, where our numbers have quadrupled over the past century? A world where each of these billions may, at some point, ask themselves this very question.
Undoubtedly, ten years of war and two years of full-scale invasion have left Ukrainian society exhausted and deeply scarred. Yet, these wounds have also fortified Ukraine’s resilience, uniting the nation in ways that were once unimaginable. Humanity, too, has weathered such trials countless times throughout history. Here in Ukraine, we clung to the hope that it would all end as abruptly as it began.
A Carol of Courage
Just as in the First World War, people hoped everything would end by Christmas. But then the world marked four Christmas Eves under the shadow of war, millions of victims, and changing borders; no one in any country would have thought to lose hope or refuse to celebrate events such as Christmas or other Christian holidays, which are an integral symbol of the very existence of a particular culture or community.
In Ukraine, many families have to celebrate such vital holidays separately, as such moments will once again become a symbol of survival and self-identification. The fact that we survived can be a celebration, a testament to the resilience of all who have endured such times.
Starting in 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, Ukrainians celebrated every small military success, the return of even the smallest territory, gathering together and singing the national anthem and Ukrainian folk songs. This was repeated in liberated cities, with local residents raising the national flag and creating murals.
Social networks became the thread that connected people to each other and free cities with those under siege, giving hope for the future. People shared stories of success, survival, and words of support. Videos of residents stepping onto their balconies to sing the national anthem during missile attacks spread across the world, symbols of defiance and unbreakable spirit. This helped build national pride and unity.
The Ghost of Kyiv
Thus arose the famous legend of the “Ghost of Kyiv.” Stories about heroic Ukrainian fighter pilots spread on social networks. It was said that the pilot of a MiG-29 aircraft had won six aerial victories in the sky over the capital in the first 30 hours of the Russian invasion.
People described stories about the pilot who was seen in the sky over Kyiv, who several times entered into battle with superior Russian aviation forces, and according to legend, he shot down several dozen planes single-handedly. Later, the Air Force of Ukraine denied this information. The reality is that everyone was hopeful for victories. This legend gave people motivation and faith in victory.
Another legend that had a factual basis and a story that actually happened is about the tiny island of Zmiiniy, located in the Black Sea – the famous phrase “Russian warship, … !” This phrase was uttered by a Ukrainian marine in response to a proposal to surrender during the attack on Zmiiniy Island on the first day of a full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian military held the defense of the island at that time. This expression quickly resonated worldwide, appearing on T-shirts, souvenirs, and more, becoming a powerful embodiment of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in a brighter future and ultimate victory.
A Symphony of Defiance
For over two years now, underground jazz and rock concerts have been a means to boost morale and unity in Kyiv, Odesa, and other critical Ukrainian cities. Musicians organize performances in metro stations or bomb shelters, providing people with a brief respite from the sound of air raids and explosions above.
Social media has played a crucial role in allowing these performances to reach listeners outside of Ukraine, symbolizing the resilience and preservation of Ukrainian culture. During a concert by the prominent Ukrainian band “Okean Elzy” at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, an air raid began due to a missile attack.
Instead of dispersing, the fans went down to the subway with the musicians, and right here in the underground shelter, the real magic began – the concert continued underground, creating an atmosphere of unity and support. This incident and subsequent performances by musicians underground have become a symbol of invincibility.
Unwavering Spirit
Despite the relentless attacks in Ukraine that destroy buildings, divide families, and claim countless lives, the nation gathers the strength to celebrate Independence Day each year with ceremonies held in cities across the country.
And while large gatherings are currently limited, people are finding symbolic ways to celebrate, from wearing traditional national clothing to placing flowers in public places. Parades of destroyed enemy equipment are being organized, etc. Many cities hold virtual events, allowing Ukrainians to mark essential dates despite the ongoing war. So do we have anything to celebrate? In moments of solitude, everyone will confront this question, reflecting deeply on their thoughts and emotions.
The Power of Hope
At this very moment, as I write these lines, air raid sirens are sounding one after another in my hometown. Across the country, town after town receives alerts urging residents to head to shelters. But what can give hope to people trying to stay connected with reality and not lose motivation and morale, to look their children in the eyes with a smile, and provide them with a sense of security and everyday routine life that they miss so much? Small joys and moments of unity have a deep meaning and great importance for people living in constant danger.
They preserve the nation’s identity, support morale, and are an act of resistance. They strive to maintain a sense of normalcy and return to everyday life, reminding them of peaceful days when the world was different. It is a sense of stability in the chaos of war, an opportunity to lift the spirits and remind yourself and others that life goes on.
When your home and country are threatened by destruction, national and cultural symbols take on even greater significance. They are the basis for unification and resistance. It is a way to preserve historical memory and values that war seeks to destroy. It reminds us of the strength of a nation that will not disappear despite difficulties. The celebration carries a profound symbolic message: life holds meaning and the future awaits.
Dedicated entrepreneur from Ukraine. Experienced tutor and successful business owner emphasizing up-to-date methods, the importance of high-quality and targeted content. Motivated professional bringing a 12-year career in small business ownership, business development, and education, who quickly masters new concepts and technologies. A happy mother.
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