Every year on March 9, Ukrainians celebrate a special event—the birthday of Taras Shevchenko. This talented man left behind a huge cultural legacy, including a large number of literary works, paintings, and sayings. He is called a prophet, the Great Kobzar, and the genius of Ukraine.

This year marks the 212th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth, and his sayings, appeals, and poetic lines are still relevant today. The words of this outstanding artist have become a source of motivation for our people, a call to action, and a belief in a bright future for Ukraine.

When and where was Taras Shevchenko born?

When talking about such a talented and interesting person, it is impossible not to mention where and when Taras Shevchenko was born. A literary genius, a prophet in Ukraine, a wonderful artist — all this was successfully combined in one person. Taras Shevchenko was born on March 9 in the village of Morintsy. This day is traditionally considered a holiday in Ukraine, as it is a time to pay tribute to a true genius, remember his best works, and pass on his valuable cultural heritage to younger generations. 

March 9 is a sacred date for every Ukrainian

Every year, on March 9, Taras Shevchenko's birthday, Ukrainians honor the memory of the great poet, artist, and prophet. For everyone, this date has a sacred meaning, which is revealed in the indestructibility of the Ukrainian spirit, a flourishing and free state, and the connection between generations. The cultural heritage left by Taras Shevchenko is engraved in the hearts of Ukrainians. That is why the date of his birth is a true holiday that carries a special meaning, a thirst for freedom, and inspiration.

Morintsi and Kerelivka: where the genius's journey began

Shevchenko was born in the village of Morintsi in the Cherkasy region. The boy was born into a large family of serfs. The talented Taras spent his childhood in the village of Kerelivka in the Cherkasy region, where his family moved when he was only 2 years old. At that time, the village of Kerelivka (Kyrylivka) was owned by Lieutenant General Vasyl Engelhardt. It was here that Taras Shevchenko first learned to read and write from the local teacher Pavlo Ruban.

Therefore, the village where Shevchenko was born is Morintsy, and the place where he actually spent his childhood is Kerelivka.

Biography of Taras Shevchenko

Childhood, serfdom, and the dream of freedom

Taras Shevchenko spent his childhood in the village of Kerelivka, located in the Cherkasy region. The talented poet's family moved there when he was only a few years old. A little later, he entered the service of a local deacon, who taught him to read and write. After that, Taras was taken to work for the landowner Engelhardt as a cook, and then as a Cossack. Engelhardt quickly noticed Shevchenko's talent for painting. Since he dreamed of becoming a court artist, the landowner sent the young man to study.

The years of serfdom were not easy for Taras, as he always dreamed of freedom for himself and his family. In 1831, the young man arrived with Engelhardt in St. Petersburg, where he continued to study painting and began to write his first literary works. It was here that the cultural heritage began to take shape, which the Ukrainian people remember, quote, and honor every year on Taras Shevchenko's birthday.

In St. Petersburg, Taras Shevchenko met artists Karl Bryullov and Vasily Zhukovsky. They quickly noticed the young man's enormous talent. As a result, they decided to hold a charity auction, thanks to which the young Taras was able to free himself from serfdom at the age of 24.

From 1838 to 1843, Shevchenko studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. During this time, he painted a lot and created the manuscript of his future literary treasure, Kobzar.

After studying at the Academy of Arts, Taras Shevchenko moved back to Ukraine in 1844. Here he got a job with a temporary commission for reviewing old documents. Around this time, he met Kostomarov, who had a significant influence on his political views. In 1846, Taras joined the Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood. For his poems in the collection “3 Summers,” he was arrested and sent to serve as a soldier. During his long 10 years in exile, Taras wrote poems and painted pictures despite strict prohibitions. Nowadays, it is impossible not to mention these works of art when celebrating Taras Shevchenko's birthday. After his release from arrest, the artist was forbidden to return to Ukraine. It was only in 1859 that the poet finally returned to his native land. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested again. Taras Shevchenko's last collection, “And I Grew Up in a Foreign Land,” was published in 1860. On March 10, 1861, Taras Shevchenko died in St. Petersburg and was buried in the Smolensk Cemetery. As stipulated in his will, his ashes were later transported to Ukraine and buried on Chernecha Hora, near Kaniv in the Cherkasy region. 

Creative legacy: not only Kobzar, but also the artist's brush

Taras Shevchenko left Ukrainians a considerable creative legacy. This talented man with a great thirst for freedom and liberty created many literary works. “The Testament,” “Kateryna,” “My Thoughts, My Thoughts...,” “To the Dead and the Living...,” “The Dream,” “The Cherry Orchard Near the House” — it seems that this list could go on forever.

It is also interesting that during his lifetime, Taras Shevchenko was more respected as an artist than as a poet. During his lifetime, he created more than 1,300 paintings, of which approximately 800 have survived to this day. He loved to create illustrations for his poems, as well as paint self-portraits.

Taras Shevchenko's birthday is the day when Ukrainians honor his memory. But it is worth noting that the cultural heritage gifted by this genius lives in the hearts of Ukrainians every day. His works are studied in schools and universities, and his quotes serve as motivation and support in modern realities. The poet's works have been translated into more than 100 languages, as Shevchenko's literary works have gained great popularity outside Ukraine.

Shevchenko as a symbol of Ukrainian style

Taras Shevchenko became not just a famous writer and artist, but a true symbol of Ukrainian indomitability, the pursuit of true freedom, and courage. Today, memories of him and his works help Ukrainians survive difficult times and believe in a bright future for our country.

The talented poet and equally talented artist became the “face” of Ukrainian culture. There are also many quotes from Shevchenko that help Ukrainians fight for independence and freedom:

  • Fight — you will prevail, God will help you! Truth is on your side, glory and holy freedom are on your side...

  • Love your Ukraine. Love it... in times of trouble, in the last difficult moment. Pray to God for it.

  • Our thoughts, our songs will not die, will not perish. Here, people, is our glory, the glory of Ukraine!

T. H. Shevchenko's birthday is a good reason to honor the artist once again, remember his best works, admire his paintings, and learn more interesting facts from his biography.

212th anniversary of Shevchenko's birth: how we will celebrate in 2026

This year, Ukrainians will celebrate the 212th anniversary of Shevchenko's birth. In 2026, as in previous years, there will be themed lectures in schools and universities, as well as literary events where you can enjoy Taras Shevchenko's poems.

The main tradition of the celebration is laying flowers at the monument, honoring the cultural heritage of the Great Kobzar, and passing it on to future generations. Often on March 9, exhibitions of Shevchenko's paintings are organized, where you can admire his art for hours.

This day is not only a holiday, but also the embodiment of national identity and the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine.