Legends of the Kalyna (Guelder Rose)
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Legends of the KalynaThe kalyna, or guelder rose, is one of the main symbols of Ukraine. According to one theory, its name comes from the Old Slavic word for the sun — Kolo. It symbolizes life, blood, beauty, and fire. Songs, poems, and stories have long been written about the kalyna — but what interests us most are its legends.
One legend tells of ancient times, when our land was constantly raided by Tatars and Turks. One Sunday, an entire village was celebrating the wedding of a girl named Kalynka. Suddenly, enemies attacked, and all the men rushed to defend their homes, while the young women decided to flee through the marshes to avoid being captured. But the marsh proved merciless and drowned them. On the spots where the girls perished, bushes with red berries later grew, and people named them after the bride — kalyna.
Enemy raidsThere's another legend about this little tree. Once there lived a mother named Kylyna, who had a beautiful daughter named Kalynka. The girl knew a great deal about medicinal herbs and often gathered them out on the steppe. One day, a nobleman spotted her there and decided he wanted her as his wife. The girl began to flee, running as far as her strength would carry her, but a river blocked her path. Kalynka climbed a willow tree, leapt into the water, and drowned in the raging current.
The maiden KalynkaEvery day, Kylyna came to that spot and grieved deeply for her daughter — until her legs became sturdy roots, and her arms turned into supple branches. Her heart transformed into red berries, which she still gives to people to this day, healing them just as her daughter Kalynka once did.
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