The motanka doll is an object of Ukrainian culture, which symbolizes well-being, goodness and hope for the best, is a strong sacred object for the Ukrainian people.

The symbolism of the Motanka doll is present regardless of whether it was created hastily for the amusement of a child or as a talisman for the holidays. Ukrainian motanka has found its special place in the culture of our people.

THE HISTORY OF THE MOTANKA DOLL

The first motanka, which are also called knotted dolls, date back to about 5,000 years ago. The name of this sacred object comes fr om the word "to spin". In appearance, a motanka doll is a human figure, usually a woman or a child, made of pieces of fabric.

The Ukrainian people mostly used motanka dolls as amulets and talismans for the family. The history of the motanka doll and the traditions associated with it originate in the Chernihiv region, wh ere the first prototypes of this work of art appeared.

However, Ukrainians were far from the only people that used motanka in their culture. For example, the ancient Greeks used motanak dolls as a sacrifice for the pantheon of Gods.

MOTANKA DOLL AND ITS FEATURES

In order for the doll to have a brighter and more attractive appearance, our ancestors dyed pieces of fabric and applied patterns with the help of natural dyes. The fabric base of the skein symbolizes the spirit and wisdom of the ancestors.

The general appearance of the motanka doll is a well-defined head, but the body, arms and legs were depicted somewhat schematically. In addition to fabric, other materials were also used, such as linen threads, from which the doll's hair was made.

One of the interesting facts about the motanka doll is that it did not have clear facial features. Often, instead of a face, they left just a white cloth, and sometimes a cross was made of cloth, which symbolized the sun in Slavic culture. Eyes were never depicted on the face, because our ancestors believed that a person's eyes are a kind of portal between our world and the afterlife, through which an evil spirit can come.

One cannot fail to mention such a feature as such that the motanka doll was almost always depicted as a woman or a child, male dolls were created only as an addition to the female motanka. This approach to creating dolls is explained by the special place of women in the worldview of Ukrainian ancestors, as well as giving the doll the image of the pagan goddess of fertility - Donda.

The Motanka doll is unique in that it is the only toy that does not have a name. Our ancestors believed that by giving a name to a moth, you can disturb dead relatives or summon an evil spirit.

The significance of the motanka doll in Ukrainian culture is difficult to overestimate, here it is a talisman, a symbol of fertility and prosperity!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WIND-UP DOLLS

Our ancestors made the following types of dolls:

Toy (children's) - these dolls were created for children's entertainment, which helped to develop fine motor skills in children and helped little girls to feel themselves in the role of mother. Children's dolls include those in which bread crumb was wrapped, which was used as a pacifier for babies.
Ritual - this type of doll was used for special events and holidays, giving it the appropriate name: Verbna, Narechena, Masliana, Paschalna, etc. Ritual motanka were often used during wedding ceremonies.
Amulets - the motanka doll amulet was supposed to protect children and adults from evil spirits, misfortune and diseases. Such works of art were created for certain functions: prosperity and wealth, pregnancy and health, harmony and happiness.

Even such simple dolls as children's dolls carried a mystical and sacred meaning for the Ukrainian people. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that play dolls not only entertained children, but also performed a protective function.

MEANINGS OF COLORS IN MOTANKA DOLLS

Since our ancestors believed in the special meaning of motanas, the colors from which the dolls were made also played a big role.

yellow - symbolized the Sun and its life-giving force;
red - protection against evil spirits and diseases;
green - a symbol of youth, nature, health and revival;
blue or blue - an endless stream of healing water;
white - a symbol of purity, harmony, which personified the heavens;
brown - meant fertility and connection with Mother Earth.

During the creation of a motanka doll, only one color or a combination of them could be used, depending on what exactly it is made for and what it is supposed to symbolize.

TRADITIONS OF MAKING A CHARM DOLL-MOTANKA

A child's doll, a ceremonial doll or a charm-wrapping doll were created with extreme responsibility and attention to rules and details.

Yes, it was strictly forbidden to sew or sew anything, to use needles or stick sharp objects into the doll. The winding process itself was carried out exclusively clockwise and with positive thoughts.

Often motanki were made in accordance with the lunar calendar:

for the full moon - to provide the doll with protective and protective functions;
on the waning moon - they created a motanka doll as a countermeasure against diseases and failures;
on the growth of the moon - for success in any business.

It was forbidden to create dolls on Friday and Sunday, because according to the beliefs of our ancestors, these days belonged to the goddess of female industriousness and needlework, Makoshi.

Motanka is made without the use of seams, threads are used for fastening, which are simply wrapped around the parts, securing them with a knot. The doll should have a cross-shaped appearance. The head of this work of art is created using a piece of fabric into which a skein of thread or cotton wool is inserted. After the doll's body is created, hair and decorations are added, there are no clear rules, everything depends only on the imagination of the artist.

Each Motanka doll is a unique work of art, the appearance of which directly depends only on the creator and his vision. Motanka has become an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Ukrainian people, being passed down from generation to generation through the years and centuries.