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The bicycle is a significant cultural artifact in Germany, symbolizing not only innovation but also a commitment to sustainability and healthy living. Invented by Karl Drais in 1817, the “Laufmaschine” was the world’s first two-wheeled, steerable vehicle, laying the foundation for modern bicycles.

For me personally, the bicycle is very important, because I use it often multible times during the day. I use my bike to go to training sessions, for grocery shopping, and to visit friends. Cycling gives me independence, keeps me fit, and allows me to enjoy the outdoors. It’s a practical, eco-friendly choice that fits perfectly into the German lifestyle and my own values.

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I decided to upload the siddur that my friends bought me for my wedding, with my new last name on it. Every morning Im trying to read the Birkat HaShachar, and on holidays or special occasions it has the prayers that fit those moments.

I feel that this is my way to communicate with God and connect to Him, and I’m so grateful that my friends bought me this meaningful and beautiful gift.

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I chose this item because, this is a fond memory from my childhood. I lived in the USA for 6 years and there I was a part of an amateur level soccer team from third grade until the end of fifth grade. During one of our spring seasons we went undefeated, and as a prize the entire team got this trophy.

Soccer is the most popular sport here is Israel, and I enjoy watching soccer and sports in general, especially The World Cup, the summer Olympics, and American football. So, that is why I chose to share this item.

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I chose Tefillin, because they represent a deep connection between mind, heart, and action - as they are placed on the arm and the head, symbolizing the unity of thought, feeling, and deed in serving God.

For me personally, putting on tefillin each morning gives me strength, focus, and a sense of spiritual protection. It connects me both to my Jewish heritage and to my personal faith, even through challenging times. It’s something I wear proudly, showing both my collective identity and personal commitment to my faith.

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In Ukrainian culture, we have many traditional ornaments that people embroider on their national clothes (vyshyvanka) and use to decorate the exteriors of their houses. I’m fascinated by how each pattern carries its own symbolic meaning.

How does this relate to me, you might ask? One of my passions is makeup, and when it came time to take graduation photos in a national style, I wondered: could ornaments be a form of an antique permanent makeup? So I decided to combine them! I chose the “stars” pattern.

You can give your ornament almost any meaning – from your name to your family history. The “stars” motif is one of the most popular, it serves as a talisman against evil and negativity, offering protection from illness and despair.

I would love to share more about my culture through every form of art I know!

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My artifact is a red bracelet with a small Hamsa charm.

In Moroccan Jewish culture, the combination of the red string and the Hamsa symbolizes protection against the evil eye and brings good energy and luck.

It’s something that many people wear to feel spiritually protected and connected to their roots.

For me, it represents my Moroccan-Jewish background and the strong values of faith and family that I grew up with.

Wearing it every day reminds me of where I come from and gives me a sense of strength and comfort, especially during busy or stressful times in my studies.

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I chose these earrings because they’ve been passed down in my family. From my great grandmother, to my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me.

In Israeli culture, family is very important we grow up surrounded by strong connections, traditions, and warmth.

When I wear these earrings, I feel close to my family and also feel a sense of responsibility to take care of the earrings, to keep this small tradition alive, and one day to pass them on too.

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I don't know if you can count a city as an artifact and I certainly wouldn't call my hometown a cultural anything, but for the purposes of this cultural exchange, let's leave it at that.

What's special about Kriviy Rih besides the fact that no other place could capture my heart like the beloved South? Well:

1. It's 146 km long making it the longest city in Europe. At least I think so. The length varies depending on which local you ask. Those that are the official numbers.

2. We have metrotram! It goes underground like a regular subway, but it has a tram cabin and a partially overground route. But then it goes underground again. The official name of this transport is "The Speed Tram". Colloquially, it's known as "skarik".

3. We have the biggest flower clock in Europe.

4. The current president hails from our city, not that it matters much. Also, his comedy show and company is named after a place here called the 95th square.

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I couldn’t decide what I wanna present to you so you could form the right impression about Ukrainian culture and I still think that this choice isn’t an accurate reflection of that because everything that comes to my mind isn’t material: smile, people, openness, patriotism, family and plenty of other different items.

So, why have I decided to show you just the train? First of all, because it’s not just a train. For me it’s a symbol of resilience, change for the better and new life. It’s specifically called «Ukrzaliznytsia».

I have three favorite days in the year and all these days are partly spent on the train: days when I go back to my home, to my family. It’s not about iron and engine - it’s about value and memories.

Every day hundreds of different people with different reasons and intentions come to the station platform to greet their dearest friends and relatives or say goodbye to them. When I started studying in Chernivtsi - the train became for me not only a means of transport that could bring me home or to any other place in my country. I started thinking about it as falling back to the ground where I learned to walk and to people who taught me how to do it.  It’s about the familiar faces of your parents greeting you and the familiar landscapes that begin to appear as soon as you cross a specific border.

I’m so grateful that I have such an association because in February 2022, tens of thousands of people were escaping from their towns because of the war, because their houses were destroyed and their homes were neglected. They didn’t have the certainty about the future, but they had hope that the train would bring them to their new lives.

It’s not vyshyvanka, borshch or other usual things which you can associate with Ukraine. It’s just trains that hide much more than rails and wheels.

(approximate translation of the words from the song:

I lose myself in your deep gaze,

My sweetest train of endless ways.)

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For me, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Growing up, food was the main way my mother and grandmothers expressed love and care. Cooking together and sharing meals especially during holidays and Friday-night dinners is a central part of my culture and a way to keep traditions alive.

In Israeli culture, food is a major element of daily life. Meals bring people together, mark celebrations, and create a sense of community. Everything happens in the kitchen: my son does his homework on the counter, conversations and important decision making, hosting, and moments of connection.

Today, in my own home, the kitchen has the same meaning. It’s where my family naturally gathers, where we cook as a family, and where I continue the traditions I grew up with. For me, the kitchen represents warmth, belonging, and the connection between generations.

Sometimes all you need is the familiar smell of something cooking to make everything feel right again

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I have different journals: for daily routine, travel, … :) 

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My journal is an essential part of my daily routine and personal growth. I write every morning and evening.

In the morning to set positive intentions, and at night to reflect on the day. Journaling helps me structure my thoughts, process emotions, and gain clarity in moments of confusion or stress. It is a safe space where I can express myself honestly and reconnect with my values and goals. Beyond being a personal habit, it represents a cultural practice of mindfulness and self-awareness in a fast-paced world. Through writing, I not only document my experiences but also shape the way I understand myself and the world around me.

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You can watch a full episode here: https://youtu.be/a4e4zVQbarY?feature=shared

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“How the Kozaky celebrated a wedding” (1984)

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“How the Kozaky celebrated a wedding” (1984)

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Have you ever had an uncanny feeling towards something as a child but now as a grownup remember that “something” as a nostalgic memory from your childhood?

That’s how I feel about Ukrainian art of animation, specifically the episode of iconic “The Kozaky” cartoon series.

I consider this art piece a pretty significant Cultural Artefact and it very much is. Such old cartoons as this one which were created when Ukraine was a part of Soviet Union were the way of making Ukrainian culture visible and contrasting to the russian invaders with their coercive policies of communism. I believe that art is one of the greatest tools to save and spread your culture.

This cartoon is old enough, but when I was a child it was still shown on TV, usually at night (so you can understand why I had some shivers going down my spine). This episode was definitely carved deep into my head the same as for other Ukrainian children. These series in general is something that every person in Ukraine knows and recognises in an instant. It even became a kind of cultural meme, something that only insiders understand. I love seeing how art can unite people and create a significant cultural heritage.

—

By the way, the full episodes are available on YouTube. If you want, you can check it out. And don’t forget about the link I attached above. 🎥

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I would pick the journal “Sacratum” - Ukrainian gothic/underground magazine. I chose this magazine for several reasons. I have always been fascinated by Ukraine's underground culture, even from a young age. My family was more informal, and I grew up in this environment, which sparked my curiosity. I want to learn more about it. For me, the underground scene in Ukraine is felt in a familial way, and you always want to learn more about different artists (thank you to my friends who share more about all this ^^). I suppose what fascinates me about the underground culture is its similarity to Ukrainian culture. Sounds silly, but let me explain. When you are an alternative kid in society, there will always be a constant need to protect your views on this world, similarly to how Ukraine is protecting their opinions and desire to be free and do what they want (without hurting others, of course).

Additionally, let's take a deep dive into the history of subcultures in Ukraine. In that case, we will see how dangerous it was to be someone different back in the day (not only for political views, but for the simple desire to listen to the Beatles, for example), so yeah, if you wanted to be an alternative, you had to understand that your actions were “illegal”. The idea of being different and artistic is something that has stuck with Ukraine from the moment of its founding, I may say, and I love that, no matter what, we are still trying to fight for our right to be different. Another notable aspect of this magazine is that it is the first underground journal in the Ukrainian language. The journal began to be published in 2006, and Ukraine gained independence in 1991, so it took 15 years for underground publishers to start using our language. It's funny, isn’t it? However, it's actually quite sad because this magazine didn’t last long, and russian-language magazines replaced it. So, the language problem was always with us. I may say that the 90s and 00s were the peak moment, when many individuals started using the Ukrainian language in music, art, books, and so on, but closer to the end of the 00s, the language of our neighbours became more profitable, therefore many artists switched back to it :( Yet, many people sang and wrote in Ukrainian, regardless of the circumstances. I can thank them for their dedication.

So, what I wanted to say by that? I guess that we, Ukrainians, have a lot of similarities to the underground community, and that’s amazing, because that makes us special (no secret, Ukrainians are super artistic people, hehe), and that’s one of the reasons why I am attached to it, it reminds me of who I am and that I am part of something bigger.

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My cultural artifact is Ukrainian Christmas carols, the ones we call "kolyadky" and "shchedrivky". They aren’t just songs, they’re basically how winter feels in my memory. The most famous one, “Shchedryk”, became “Carol of the Bells” worldwide, but originally it was a Ukrainian song. I love the idea that one melody traveled from small village houses to all over the world.

For me, these songs are personal because my great-grandfather taught me many of them. I remember how he was just sitting and remembering his youth, when I was just a child.

And then there’s "Malanka": the tradition where kids dress in costumes and go around the town singing, joking, wishing people luck. I only joined once, but it felt awesome. Snow everywhere, old songs, everyone laughing and slightly freezing❄️

I don’t have any photos or videos from my gallery, unfortunately, but this edit captures the feeling and traditions I’m describing

Video by @fas_s7 on TikTok

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Treasure of Ukrainian Culture: My Sylyanka

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Sylyanka is not just a piece of jewelry; it is part of Ukraine’s centuries-old cultural heritage, preserving the traditions and aesthetics of our people. Every time I work on it, I feel this connection to the past.

I absolutely love watching how tiny beads gradually form a pattern and come to life as an incredible piece of jewelry. This meditative process of creation brings me true joy.

The sylyanka you see me wearing in this photo is my latest work. Creating it was a real challenge, as it took me almost half a year and many attempts to finally figure out the complex pattern and bring this perfection to life. This piece of jewelry has now become a symbol of perseverance and love for our culture for me.

I have already gathered a large collection of these beaded masterpieces. For me, they are not just material objects, but a heritage steeped with love and the Ukrainian soul.

I eagerly look forward to the day when I can pass these treasures on to my descendants, so they too can feel the magic and beauty of our culture.

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There are a lot of wonderful things in Ukrainian culture, but today I want to focus on something that is mentioned relatively rarely: Ukrainian pottery. It is a very old craft, and its history spans over 9,000 years. Many traditional Ukrainian dishes are cooked in earthenware, which adds to their authenticity and even enhances the taste, or so some people claim. There are also several distinctive styles of pottery decoration that originate from cities like Kosiv, Opishnia, and Vasylkiv.

I had the pleasure of visiting Kosiv and seeing the pottery with my own eyes (the picture on top), it is truly incredible. I especially like the attention to detail and the uniqueness of each piece: every ornament and brushstroke has its own meaning. Although my own “collection” (the pictures on the bottom) is tiny, and the pieces are actually from Moldova (my mum’s homeland), I’m very excited to buy more Ukrainian pottery in the future.

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Дизайн без назви (1)

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There is a special place for me in Chernivtsi — the one you can see on the picture.

When I was still studying at school, there was nothing except a field there. As I was growing up, this place was changing alongside me.

When it was still in construction one summer before I entered my last year of high school, I was sitting there with my best friend, wondering about life. We had no idea of where it would lead us, what things await us.

Years have passed and it all turned out in a way I could never imagine. As I was changing, this flag, the city view and the lake visible from above were watching me become the person that I am now.

There I felt the most connected to my city, visible from the above, my country and the past versions of myself. It represents what home is to me — a place that knows the ways in which you transform the best. It will forever have a special place in my heart

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My personal cultural artifacts are a Sylianka and a Dukach, both deeply rooted in Ukrainian tradition.

Interesting facts->

1) The Sylianka is a handmade beaded necklace that dates back to ancient times, when it was worn as a talisman to protect against evil spirits and to symbolize harmony and connection with nature. It is also one of Ukraine's national treasures as well as the dukach, flower wreath and coral necklace.

2) Each colour in the beads carries its own meaning.

Mine is green and black –> 💚 stands for life, and harmony with nature, while 🖤 symbolizes the rich, fertile Ukrainian soil and the unbroken strength of our people.

By the way, I would also like to mention one of the lines from the poem "Two Colours" by Ukrainian poet Dmytro Pavlychko, which sounds like "red is love and black is sorrow".

♡ What makes it even more special is that it was handmade by my friend as a birthday gift,making it not only a piece of cultural heritage but also a token of friendship

On the other hand, the Dukach is a traditional pendant featuring a coin or medallion, popular among Ukrainian women in the 18th and 19th centuries. And it was often passed down through generations, symbolizing dignity and the strength of Ukrainian women.

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My personal cultural artifact

I chose my diamond ring, which my mother gave me for my 18th birthday. In Israeli culture, turning 18 marks the transition to adulthood and independence, so this ring symbolizes both love and responsibility. My mother wanted me to have something meaningful that would stay with me through every stage of life. The ring represents our strong family connection and the importance of giving emotional gifts that last longer than trends or fashion. Whenever I wear it(all the time :) I feel proud to carry a part of my family’s values and traditions with me. It also reminds me of my roots and of how Israeli families often express love through small but meaningful gestures.

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The Sanremo Festival is one of the most important and beloved music events in Italy. It takes place every year in Sanremo, in Liguria, and it began in 1951, so it has a very long tradition. During the festival, Italian artists (and sometimes international guests) perform new, unreleased songs.

As a music lover, this festival is one of my favorite things about Italian culture. It is important for us Italians because it’s not just a music competition: it represents the history of Italian music, it’s a national television event that brings millions of people together in front of the screen, and the songs from Sanremo often become true soundtracks of our culture. During Sanremo week, all Italians are united by their love for music.

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I chose shokolapky as my artefact because for me, these sweets are literally the definition of childhood. They are from a Ukrainian confectionery brand. When I was little, my grandma or aunt would always buy them to make me happy because I've always been such a sweet tooth. They remind me of those careless times where I didn't have to worry about anything and always had my family with me. Even though now everything is so different, my family always comes first and these candies represent my strong connection to my family.

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I chose a dog leash because it symbolizes the connection between me and my dogs. Our daily walks in nature give me peace, joy and balance. The fresh air, the forest paths and the quiet moments outside are very meaningful to me. So this object represents an important part of my personal culture.😄

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Okay, I have chosen the celebration of Christmas eve in my family, and in my region. As we all know Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in a year, and one of the most special moments in my life. I do perfectly remember when i was a kid and a teenager how we celebrated this day. We have always prepared 12 dishes, before the dinner starts my parents went to the local “club” (is not an actual club with parties, that’s just how we called a place in my town where some cultural events took place, that’s like cultural centre or sth like that) because there were some plays before Christmas organised by the locals. While my parents were there, my grandparents, sister and I sit watching Home Alone on TV. When my parents would come back, our saint dinner started. Later on guests would come (my mom’s sisters and their families), we sat together and chatted. Then my family visited another relative of ours, my other granny and grandad. And after that we, again, went to my great grandmother, where almost all family members gathered (approximately 40 people).

That celebration perfectly shows how we, ukrainians, like to gather together and bond. I remember these celebrations with nostalgia, as my great grandmother passed away, and there are no longer such big celebrations.

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I chose an orange tree as my personal cultural artifact because it represents both my identity and my connection to Jaffa. As an Arab girl living here, oranges hold deep historical meaning. Jaffa oranges are known around the world and symbolize the city’s rich past, when orange groves covered jaffa and were a major source of pride and livelihood for all its people. For me, the orange tree stands for resilience, growth, and belonging it reminds me of my roots and the generations who cared for this land before me. The scent and color of the oranges bring feelings of home, warmth, and community. I remember in my grandmothers garden was an orange tree and we used to pick them with our neighbors, eat them together, talk about life and the good oranges that we ate. It was lovely memories that we shared (:

This image reflects not only a part of my heritage but also the beauty and strength that continue to define Jaffa today.

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I don’t really think this counts as a cultural artifact, but I’ll still tell you about it. This is my memory box, which is exactly what it sounds like — a box full of memories. I can’t point to a single item that defines me, but each piece tells a story about my experiences. One day I thought, “I don’t want to throw things away; it would be great to collect some physical stuff of my past for the future.” That’s why I added this box. Inside, you can find different pieces of my “old selves,” and maybe they’ll help you understand me better. There are all sorts of things in it: old movie tickets, handmade gifts from friends, and even a notebook that reminds me of the time I realized life is too short to study something you don’t enjoy. This box grows bigger every year, and I’m proud that its contents remind me of who I am, who I was, and who I hope to become.

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An item that represents me and vividly symbolizes Ukrainian culture is the bandura. I’ve been playing the bandura for 6 years. I studied at a music school, and I have a diploma from there.

The bandura is a traditional Ukrainian string instrument. This is one of the oldest Ukrainian folk music instruments. It has a calm, gentle, and vibrant sound. The bandura, in its construction, resembles a lute or kobza. Usually, there are 55 strings, though the number may vary. The strings gradually shorten toward the edge of the instrument, producing a uniform sound across its range.

I started playing bandura when I was 13 years old. At that time, I was deeply interested in music and wanted to learn how to play and sing. This experience showed me the beauty of performing and taught me how to improvise when things don't go as planned.

Currently, I’m not playing much because my bandura is in my home city in the south of Ukraine. However, I still find ways to connect with art. I’ve started to write poetry and song lyrics.

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I chose this picture because it represents my home and my culture. I come from Croatia, and my whole family, including my grandmother, still lives there. The picture shows simple homemade food that my grandma made.

For me, this food is very special ,not because it’s fancy, but because it reminds me of my childhood. I remember helping my grandma harvest the vegetables and prepare everything together. It was always fun, and those moments made me feel connected to my family and my home.

This simple meal represents love, tradition, and togetherness. That’s why this picture means so much to me.

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This is a Hanukkiya, a nine-branched menora used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Although I’m not a religious person, lighting the Hanukkiya has a special meaning for me. It represents Jewish folklore and tradition rather than faith. Every year, I love gathering with my family and friends to light the candles, sing, and enjoy the typical corrupted, greasy holiday food, like sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and latkes (potato pancakes). For me, the Hanukkiya symbolizes warmth, connection, and shared memories. In Israel, spending quality time with family and friends is deeply valued, and every Friday, families across the country come together for dinner, and I find that tradition truly beautiful.

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I choose Bamba as my cultural item. Bamba is a very popular Israeli snack that’s made from peanut and corn. It has an airy puffed texture, and almost every child in Israel grows up eating it. You can find it in every home, school bag, and birthday party. Bamba represents the Israeli culture because it is simple, friendly, and part of everyday life. People share it on trips, at family gatherings, and even with babies as their first snack. Everyone knows the taste, and many people feel nostalgic when they eat it. Because it is so common and loved, Bamba has become more than just a snack! it is a small symbol of what connects people in Israel.

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This is a traditional Ukrainian accessory, made of beads. It can easily be made with your own hands and you can use any ornaments you like or cab make, which emphasizes the skill and personality of the person wearing it. It's not just a tradition, but a part of our soul and a way to demonstrate our identity.

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A pysanka is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorated using the wax-resist, or batik, method. Designs are "written" onto the egg with beeswax using a tool called a kistka, and the egg is then dipped in progressively darker dyes to create the final pattern. The elaborate designs often carry symbolic meaning and can be used for protection or to express wishes.

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My personal cultural artifact is this book. It contains the Bible, the Book of Mormon and other scriptures that I believe to be the word of God. The name tag attached to its front is from my service as a missionary.

I chose it as my artifact because the precepts contained in this book are the guiding framework for my life and the filter through which all other culture that I may have has to pass.

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I chose the Grimm’s Fairy Tales because they are an important part of my childhood. Many people grow up with these stories, and they reflect traditional values, fears, and hopes that shaped German folklore. Even nowadays I often read out of it to the kids I babysit.

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What I always connected with Turkish identity was warmth. Growing up in my culture was always connected with people, laughter, chatting and love. I chose these 4 pictures because they represent of what I feel like what being Turkish means to me. It means sitting on that red carpet drinking traditional tea and baklava and almost EVERY household has those blue stones. It is believed that it protects you from evil eye. I personally do not believe in that but I really think it's cute and that's kind of what my culture means to me: Love and warmth (Meryem Danabasi)

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I took my bracelet with a cross pendant as my cultural artifact. It does not really have a relegious meaning for me but rather a symbolic meaning because I got this bracelet as a gift for my Communion from my Grandparents and since than I wear it all the time

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In Italy, card games are about family and friends.

We often play with special Italian cards and sometimes people from different regions use different types of cards.

Kids usually learn from their grandparents.

The table is loud and fun. It is not about winning. It is about being together.

Playing cards is a way to share time and talk.

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I have chosen this necklace because it contains the most significant symbols of Crimea - golden grapes and apple, lavander, ancient jug, fig and tamga - coat of arms of the peninsula. Why Crimean symbolic? First of all, because i think that it doesn't get enough recognition not only in the world, but even in Ukraine. Secondly is that I really love handmade things and to support artists, their works just have much more soul in them.

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Handmade necklace with Crimeantatar symbolic 

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Handmade necklace with Crimeantatar symbolic 

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My personal artefact is a chocolate bar from Poland, a small but very meaningful object that represents a part of my second home. It reminds me of my childhood and of the precious time I spent with my grandmother. Whenever I see or eat this chocolate bar, it immediately brings me back to those moments: the familiar places in Poland, the warm atmosphere, and all the memories that are tied to them.

It symbolizes the beautiful moments I shared with my grandmother, those moments that shaped who I am and that I still hold close to my heart.