Art of Decorating Korovai as Cultural Heritage

The article examines the pressing issue of preserving and transforming the art of decorating the korovai as an element of Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage. The relevance of the topic is driven by the increased focus on local ritual practices in the context of national self-identification and cultural heritage preservation programs. The decoration of the wedding korovai represents a unique combination of symbolism, craftsmanship, and ritual practice that retains deep significance in today’s cultural landscape. The aim of the study is to analyze the semantics of the decorative elements, the ritual function of the korovai, the techniques used in its decoration, and the modern forms of adapting the tradition. The article synthesizes ethnographic sources and archival materials, and it examines the practices of contemporary artisans who are reviving traditional forms under new technological conditions. It is concluded that the korovai continues to serve as a sacred mediator between families and generations, and the combination of manual techniques with modern methods contributes to the sustainability of the tradition. The article will be useful for researchers in ethnography and cultural anthropology, representatives of craft schools, and developers of cultural-tourism programs.