Military Tradition and Identity in the Ancient Culture of Ukraine: A Cultural-Semantic Dimension

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to identify and analyse the genesis of the formation of military tradition and military identity in the culture of Ukraine in terms of semantic and cultural understanding. In addition, the investigation will encompass the semantic load of military symbols and traditions, and the determination of their influence on the formation of social norms. The methodology employed is founded upon a comprehensive approach, integrating structural and semantic analyses of the evolution of cultural tradition within the context of the military component and its corresponding identity. Moreover, a comparative method is utilised to discern both the common and unique characteristics of the military tradition within the cultural milieu of Ukraine, in relation to other manifestations of social identity. Additionally, a historical and genetic method is employed to trace the developmental trajectory of the genesis of culture. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematic analysis of the military tradition and military identity in the culture of Ukraine through the prism of the semantic and cultural approach. For the first time, a comprehensive examination of military attributes and rituals as a means of communication and identification, reflecting the worldview and social structures of ancient Ukrainian society, has been carried out. Conclusions. The study’s findings reveal an in-depth analysis of the semantic and symbolic dimension of military tradition and identity in the cultural context of Ukraine. The analysis focuses on the examination of symbolism, signs and rituals that shape the identity of warriors, their position within the socio-cultural space and class hierarchy. The study incorporates a comprehensive analysis of combat attributes, initiation rituals, amulets and other elements of military culture, employing a semantic and ethno-cultural analytical framework. A particular focus was placed on the relationship between military tradition and the spiritual and mythological ideas of the ancient population in Ukraine and the formation of military identity on this basis.