The Ukraine, which means borderland, is located between Europe, Russia, and Asia, on the northern shore of the Black Sea. From a country of vast steppes, rich black earth, and endless fields of wheat, the Ukrainian people possess a cultural heritage known for its vitality and diversity. Ukrainian folk arts, such as pottery, embroidery, and painted Easter eggs, reflect national customs and conventions. A myriad of Ukrainian myths and legends describe national symbols and characteristics such as the black earth, the clan or extended family life, and Orthodox religion. Nonetheless, Ukrainian culture has been heavily influenced by the traditions of other nations because its history is characterized by invasions, political oppression, and foreign domination.

The geographical location and character of the Ukraine left the country vulnerable to its aggressive neighbors and for centuries, it constituted only provinces in the Austro-Hungarian or Russian Empires. In the 6th century, the Slavic tribes began to dominate the territory of the Ukraine, which had formerly been home to a variety of tribal groups. The Slavic tribes, who were mainly sedentary agriculturists, were united in the 9th century, under the leadership of the Varangians and Kievan Rus' was formed. After the 11th century, when Kievan Rus' reached the height of power, stability, and prosperity, the Ukrainian territories were characterized by princely feuds, economic stagnation, and nomadic invasions.

The Kievan period ended when the Mongols captured Kiev in 1240. The Mongol yoke was broken in the 15th century, which initiated an important period for Ukrainian folk culture. The Cossacks, who were the frontiersmen that gathered together in bands to repel the Mongols and the Ottoman Turks, hold an important place in Ukrainian history. They were folk heroes who defended their homeland against Mongol overlordship, and they also became important political leaders for the Ukrainian people. In the 19th century, the Ukrainian intelligentsia were influenced by the new idea of nationhood, and began to study the history, folklore and language of their people, drawing "folk" culture and the culture of the elite closer together. Ukrainian began to be used as a literary language and Ukrainian culture became the focus for a class that had long neglected its roots.