The apotropaic function of images in lullabies Ukrainians

In the context of the general issue of studying Ukrainian lullabies and their functions, this article explores the origins and definitions of lullabies and reveals the apotropaic function of images in Ukrainian lullabies based on field folklore materials from the Uman region, which is the purpose of the article. Lullabies are a lyrical folk poetry genre and the oldest folklore genre. Due to the universality of their language, the specificity of performance style and situation, as well as their set of images and symbols, lullabies hold a special place in the culture of the singing Ukrainian people. At the same time, there is a need to investigate deeper into understanding the ethno-regional specifics and general ethnic features of the traditional culture of the Uman region, representing part of the historical and ethnographic Eastern Podillia. This area, despite being insufficiently studied and covered in professional literature, preserves many relics and local peculiarities of “maternal folklore” and the spiritual culture of the region as a whole. The author emphasizes the unique features and multi-functionality of lullabies, summarizing scholarly research. Lullabies can be considered the most ancient genre of women’s creativity, rooted in humanity’s mythological consciousness and mythical history. Through lullabies, children receive their first notions of the world, the beings that inhabit it, mythological figures that carry specific meanings, and the core principles that guide a person throughout life. A lullaby acts as a talisman, guarding against all evil. Beyond the primary function of calming and lulling the child to sleep, lullabies also perform apotropaic and productive functions. The author provides examples of lullabies recorded in the Uman region, whose images reflect the mythological worldview of our ancestors. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war from 2022-2025, Ukrainian lullabies have significantly expanded their scope of functionality. Listening to lullabies helps children shield their psyches from the stress and emotional instability caused by war-related events, martial law, and other stressful situations. Therefore, in wartime conditions, the ethno-defining and apotropaic functions of lullabies are particularly evident.