Death of Bohdan Novak
On December 28, the chief star master of Ukraine, Bohdan Novak, passed away. He revived the tradition of making Christmas stars. His contribution to culture was recognized by the state, and he became a honored master of folk art. Bohdan Novak was born in the village of Matskovichi near Przemysl in Poland. After World War II, his family was expelled from Nadsian and he settled in Dublyany.
Recognition and Legacy
Bohdan Novak gained recognition for his work in 2022 when the technology for creating Matskovich stars was included in the list of intangible heritage of Ukraine. Last year, the president awarded him an honorary title. Kristina Lebed, a colleague of Novak, noted that he died on the day when the largest, already 20th, star masters' march took place in the city. Nina Khomin, who was close to Novak, emphasized that he loved Christmas and everything associated with it.
Bohdan Novak's legacy will remain in the memory of Ukrainians as he became a symbol of the revival of Christmas traditions. His activities and love for culture make an important contribution to the preservation of Ukrainian customs and rituals.
The death of Bohdan Novak is a significant loss for Ukrainian culture, as his contribution to the revival of Christmas traditions, particularly the making of stars, was crucial for the preservation of national identity. His work not only helped promote Ukrainian customs but also inspired new generations of artists interested in restoring traditional art. The recognition of his achievements at the state level emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in the context of the modern challenges faced by Ukraine.