The image of the rural woman in ukrainian folk songs

Background. Ukrainian folk song creativity is one of the most important sources for studying the cultural values, social relations, and worldview perceptions of traditional society. The image of the rural woman occupies a central place in this tradition, reflecting her role in the family, community, labor, and ritual spheres. The study of this image allows for a deeper understanding of traditional concepts of femininity, moral and ethical norms, as well as the mechanisms of preserving and transmitting social experience through oral folklore. This topic gains particular relevance in the context of contemporary changes in gender roles and the rethinking of traditional cultural values. This article aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the image of the rural woman in Ukrainian folk songs, identify key themes and motifs related to the female image, reveal their symbolic significance, and explore how women's social functions within the family and community were conveyed through song tradition. Methods. To achieve the stated goal, a range of interdisciplinary methods were used: song textual analysis to study thematic dominants and motifs; semiotic analysis to interpret the symbolic meaning of female images; the historical-cultural method to correlate the song material with actual social processes; as well as comparative analysis to identify common and specific features in the folklore of other Slavic peoples. In addition, a gender-based approach was applied, allowing for the exploration of how the female role in society is perceived through the folk song tradition. Results. The study demonstrated that in Ukrainian folk songs, the rural woman appears as a multifaceted image that combines the traits of a caring mother, a faithful wife, a hardworking homemaker, and an active participant in community life. The songs emphasize the importance of women's labor, their moral virtues, and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. The emotional world of women is also reflected-their joys, anxieties, and sorrows-expressed through lyrical motifs. It was found that Ukrainian folk creativity not only reflects everyday realities but also constructs an idealized female image that embodies traditional moral values. Conclusions. The analysis of Ukrainian folk songs confirms that the image of the rural woman plays a significant role in the folklore tradition, embodying key moral and ethical ideals and social guidelines. Through folk songs, ideas about women's duties, life purpose, and mechanisms of social interaction in traditional Ukrainian society were transmitted. The study of this image not only deepens the understanding of folk worldview but also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, offering an opportunity to reconsider traditional gender roles in modern society.