Lesia Ukrainka’s Gerdan or a Kosach Family Heirloom?

To celebrate Lesia Ukrainka’s birthday, I want to share the story of a unique piece of jewelry that many call “Lesia’s gerdan.” However, after carefully examining old photographs, I noticed that the same gerdan was also worn by Olha Kosach, Lesia Ukrainka’s mother, known to the literary world as Olena Pchilka.

                                                    

Who Was Lesia Ukrainka?

Lesia Ukrainka (real name: Larysa Petrivna Kosach) was a renowned Ukrainian writer, poet, playwright, translator, and public figure. She was born on February 25, 1871, in Novohrad-Volynskyi. Lesia was one of the strongest voices in Ukrainian literature, and her works are filled with themes of struggle, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.

                       

The Kosach family was highly educated and deeply patriotic:

• Olena Pchilka (Olha Drahomanova-Kosach) – Lesia Ukrainka’s mother, a famous writer, ethnographer, publisher, and active promoter of Ukrainian culture. She instilled in Lesia a love for the Ukrainian language, traditions, and literature.
• Petro Kosach – Lesia’s father, a lawyer and public official who strongly supported the education and intellectual growth of his children.
• Mykhailo Kosach – Lesia’s elder brother, a talented scientist with a keen interest in literature.
• Oksana, Olha, Izidora, and Mykola Kosach – Lesia’s younger siblings, all actively engaged in intellectual and cultural life.

The Kosach family played a significant role in the development of Ukrainian culture, science, and literature. They not only preserved traditions within their household but also actively promoted them among the Ukrainian intelligentsia.

The Symbolism of the Gerdan

This gerdan is not just an accessory; it carries profound symbolism. Its central motif – a diamond with dots – represents a sown field, a traditional Ukrainian symbol of fertility and femininity. Patterns on jewelry often held sacred meaning, and this gerdan was likely a special piece for the women of the Kosach family.

Lesia Ukrainka: Elegance in Every Detail

Lesia Ukrainka is often perceived as an austere and ascetic figure, distant from matters of fashion and style. However, a closer look at her photographs reveals that she dressed elegantly and tastefully. Her wardrobe included numerous accessories such as handbags, gloves, hats, scarves, and shawls. She also wore traditional Ukrainian jewelry – coral necklaces, gerdans, and beadwork (silyanky).

            

The Kosach Family: Trendsetters of Their Time

The Kosach family consciously nurtured Ukrainian culture in all its forms – from language to clothing. They were among the first to popularize the wearing of vyshyvankas (embroidered shirts) among the intellectual elite, making national attire a part of everyday life, rather than just festive or stage wear. The embroidered shirt became a symbol of self-expression, dignity, and connection to one’s heritage.

Bringing History to Life

I have recreated this gerdan, allowing it to be seen not only in archival photographs but also in a modern interpretation. This is more than just jewelry – it is a piece of history, carrying the spirit of Lesia Ukrainka, her family, and Ukrainian culture as a whole.