Hi Steve,
No need for the hostility, I wasn't having a dig at you. It was someone else who referred to Stas and I as a zealots, because we were made happy by the 24th August: Independence Day.
Any way who was Taras Shevchenko?
Poet, painter, writer, basically he was art on a stick. He was a serf who had his freedom bought, but many times throughout his life felt the might of Tsarist oppression for his Ukrainian views.
His life also symbolizes the struggle Ukraine has undergone to be free of oppression.
If you ever go to Kyiv the Taras Shevchenko Museum is a must. Also a trip to Kaniv to his burial place is an experience everyone visiting Ukraine should make. (In my opinion).
I could go on forever about the wonders of Taras, but I would say the best place on line to start any research is
http://www.infoukes.com/
I think this poem sums up the struggle for Ukrainian independence perfectly.
My Testament
When I am dead, bury me
In my beloved Ukraine,
My tomb upon a grave mound high
Amid the spreading plain,
So that the fields, the boundless steppes,
The Dnieper's plunging shore
My eyes could see, my ears could hear
The mighty river roar.
When from Ukraine the Dnieper bears
Into the deep blue sea
The blood of foes ... then will I leave
These hills and fertile fields --
I'll leave them all and fly away
To the abode of Cod,
And then I'll pray .... But till that day
I nothing know of God.
Oh bury me, then rise ye up
And break your heavy chains
And water with the tyrants' blood
The freedom you have gained.
And in the great new family,
The family of the free,
With softly spoken, kindly word
Remember also me.
Pereyaslav,
December 25, 1845
It's far better in Ukrainian.
Also I think it's great that non-Ukies are interested in this fantastic country. Don't feel you have to apologies for anything, learning is what this forum is all about (well that's what I think).
I'm an ethnic Ukie, however I was born an raised in Manchester so I always consider my self to be English and a Manc.
Any way, keep safe and people call me Vlas. Mr Vlasenko!!! I'm not even 30 yet!!! ;-)
Vlas.