Babucya’s: Ukraine’s Living History
Jenny Heintz, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
March 9, 2010
Ukraine’s most valuable asset, despite its beautiful countryside and historic buildings, is still its people. And of all those people the best stories are told by and the most history is remembered by the babyca’s. The word babucya (babushka in Russian) literally means “grandmother” but can refer to any older women. The babucyas in Ukraine are the ones who bore the brunt of the hardship at the end of the Second World War and during the Soviet era, which is why most of these women can tell stories that are sure to captivate most anyone.
The babucyas continue to live their lives according to their code of survival; including ensuring that anyone in under their roof is well fed, if not over fed, comfortable, and warm. They always at the ready with a bowl of borsch or a hot cup of tea. They have a solution to everything and are caretakers of Ukraine.
They continue to voice their opinions by taking part voting during elections, volunteering at polling places, simply continuing to work hard and tell their stories, even when the weather might intimidate even the strongest person of a younger generation.
My host mom, or babucya, was a remarkable woman who had retired as the director of the school at which I worked about 5 years before. She had traveled throughout most of Eastern Europe and always encouraged me to see the world. She took me in as if I was her daughter and made me feel welcome in the community.
My "Babuyca" (left) on her Birthday, August 2009
Really enjoyed this post. You have a good point. I’m now reading on the other post on your blog. Definitely bookmark and comeback again. Thank you very much.
Move forward operating, fantastic work!