The Ukrainian language has always been an integral and vital element of our nation's culture. Its melodiousness and beauty have been captured in the true literary masterpieces of Taras Shevchenko, Lesya Ukrainka, Ivan Franko, and many others.
Every autumn, Ukrainians celebrate the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature. This holiday serves as a tribute to the preservation of traditions, as well as to the respectful attitude toward the native language, literature, and writers.

History of the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature

The Day of Ukrainian Language was established on November 6, 1997, by then-President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma. He gladly supported the initiative of civic organizations and issued Decree No. 1241/97 “On the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature.” Since then, Ukrainians have celebrated this holiday annually, showing their love and respect for their native tongue.
The Ukrainian language is a key part of our nation’s identity, an essential element of cultural heritage, and a medium through which traditions, worldviews, and values are passed down.
This day is also dedicated to honoring Nestor the Chronicler — a revered monk and the author of The Tale of Bygone Years, which is still considered one of the greatest works of world literature.

When Do We Celebrate the Day of Language and Literature?

So when exactly do we celebrate this day in Ukraine?
Until 2023, the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature was marked on November 9 — the same day that honors Nestor the Chronicler. The date was determined according to the Julian calendar, which the Church followed until recently.

Why Was the Date Changed?

With the transition of the Ukrainian Church to the Revised Julian Calendar, the dates of most religious holidays shifted 13 days earlier.
Therefore, in 2025, the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature will be celebrated on October 27 — which is also the new date of commemoration for Nestor the Chronicler.

Prominent Ukrainian Linguists and Writers

Speaking about the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature, one cannot overlook Nestor the Chronicler.
During the 11th–early 12th centuries, he, together with other chroniclers, created The Tale of Bygone Years (also known as The Primary Chronicle). This manuscript explores the origins of Rus’ and its first rulers. It became a foundation for the recorded history of Ukrainian lands and marked the beginning of Ukrainian literary tradition.
Although the original manuscript has not survived, it exists in the Laurentian and Hypatian codices, preserved through later copies.
Nestor the Chronicler’s invaluable contribution to Ukrainian culture, literature, and language continues to be honored to this day.

Another major contribution — the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, the foundation of the modern Ukrainian script — was made by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. They were invited by Prince Rostislav to the Middle Danube region to translate the Holy Scriptures.
Cyril later created the Glagolitic alphabet based on the Greek script, and his students subsequently developed Cyrillic. By the 11th century, Cyrillic had become the main alphabet of the Slavic peoples — and remains the Ukrainian writing system to this day.

The Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature is also a time to honor Ukraine’s great writers:

Taras Shevchenko, the founder of modern Ukrainian literature, whose works continue to influence national consciousness. His poems such as Testament (Zapovit), The Cherry Orchard by the House, and To the Dead, the Living, and the Unborn still resonate deeply.

Lesya Ukrainka, a writer of extraordinary talent, who masterfully combined poetry, prose, and drama in her works. Her famous pieces The Forest Song, Cassandra, and Contra Spem Spero! made a significant impact on Ukrainian literature.
Ivan Kotliarevsky, author of the renowned Eneida (Aeneid), recognized as the first work of modern Ukrainian literature. His writing enriched the Ukrainian language and became an inseparable part of the nation’s cultural legacy.

Countless other authors and works have contributed to Ukraine’s rich literary heritage. The foundation laid by Cyril and Methodius and Nestor the Chronicler was carried forward by truly gifted individuals. That is why Ukraine celebrates this day each year — to honor talented writers and linguists and to cherish the beauty and value of the Ukrainian language and literature.

Traditions and Celebration

When the Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature arrives, people traditionally bring flowers to the monument of Nestor the Chronicler to honor his memory.
Since 2000, Ukraine has also broadcast the National Unity Dictation, in which anyone can participate. On this day, the Petro Yatsyk International Competition of Ukrainian Language Experts is also held, drawing more than 5 million participants from around the world.
The holiday is filled with love for the Ukrainian language; Ukrainians honor both classical and modern writers, language advocates, and publishing houses.

There was also a long-standing tradition in which parents would take their children to school and then visit a church to light a candle before the icon of Nestor the Chronicler, praying for their children’s success in learning.
On this day, people exchange greetings — not only among themselves but also with writers, publishers, and linguists — to express gratitude for their significant contribution to Ukrainian culture.

Interesting Facts About the Ukrainian Language and Literature

Here are some fascinating facts you might not know:

Ukrainian is considered one of the richest languages in the world, with a vocabulary of around 256,000 words.
The longest Ukrainian word, containing 30 letters, is dyhlordyfeniltrykhlormetylmetan — a chemical compound used as a pesticide.
The language is abundant in diminutive and affectionate forms, even for words like ворог (“enemy”) — воріженько (“dear little enemy”).
The first recorded mention of the Ukrainian language was made by Byzantine historian Priscus of Panium, who documented the words “мед” (“mead”) and “страва” (“dish”).
The first Ukrainian primer (alphabet book) was published in Lviv in 1574 by Ivan Fedorov.
Taras Shevchenko’s “Testament” has been translated into 147 languages, making it the most translated Ukrainian literary work.

Why It’s Important to Preserve the Ukrainian Language Today

The Ukrainian language is not merely a tool of communication — it is a true cultural treasure. It is an attribute of literary art that has given Ukraine and the world countless masterpieces.
The Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature is a testament to how Ukrainians cherish their native tongue — as a treasure, a link to past generations, and a tribute to all those who contributed to the development of Ukrainian writing and literature.