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The Ethnology Notebooks. 2025. № 6 (186), 1446—1455

UDK 355-057.36:2-526.8(477)

DOI https://doi.org/10.15407/

AMULETS AND BELIEFSIN THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE MODERN UKRAINIAN MILITARY

HAVRYLENKO Viktoriia

  • ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5892-3129
  • Independent researcher,
  • Contacts: e-mail: viktoriavangogh@gmail.com

Abstract. The article explores the use of amulets and the persistence of belief systems among contemporary Ukrainian servicemen and servicewomen. The relevance of the research is determined by recent historical events: the full-scale war has led to the expansion of the Ukrainian army, within which a distinctive social and cultural environment has emerged. In wartime conditions, the culture of using protective amulets has acquired particular significance, forming an unwritten set of customs and beliefs transmitted orally among soldiers and capable of uniting the community.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to outline the entire range of amulets and beliefs present in the modern Ukrainian military.

Methods. The research employed methods of interviewing, scientific analysis, and analytical interpretation.

Scientific innovation. Through interviews with respondents, comprehensive information was collected for the first time about various types of apotropaic objects and superstitions among servicemen. The main focus is devoted to the typology of amulets. It was found that protective beliefs unrelated to professional skills include the use of prayers and apotropaic objects, as well as adherence to prohibitions and unwritten rules that lack rational justification but carry symbolic meaning.

Results. After analyzing the collected data, the wide variety of military amulets was classified into several groups: religious items, red-and-green bracelets, children’s drawings and crafts, images on the body and equipment, and others. The study demonstrates that within the modern Ukrainian military, a distinct culture of using specific amulets has emerged. An essential component of interaction among soldiers is the exchange of superstitions and beliefs, which — despite skepticism — are accepted as part of everyday military life and serve as a unifying factor.

Keywords: amulet, military personnel, ritual, omens, cus-toms.

Received 4.11.2025

REFERENCES

  • Author’s archive. Interview results with servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine [Unpublished data].
  • Vyshebaba, P. (2023, October 18). Never say this: Pavlo Vyshebaba voiced bad omens and superstitions among the military. Retrieved from: https://uainfo.org/blognews/1697638228-nikoli-tak-ne-kazhit-pavlo-vishebaba-ozvuchiv-pogani-prikmeti.html (Last accessed: 04.11.2025) [in Ukrainian].
  • Suspilne Dnipro. (2023). The fallen son came in a dream until the talisman was taken to the cemetery [Video]. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1487283281928774 (Last accessed: 04.11.2025) [in Ukrainian].
  • Krasikov, M. (2022). Seeing off to the army in the Ukrainian tradition of the second half of the 20th century (based on field materials). Zaporizhzhia Historical Review, 6 (58), 254—269. Retrieved from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f5b3/9b3b51fd988cec54e2f80668b2abd726454e.pdf (Last accessed: 04.11.2025) [in Ukrainian].
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