As I was reflecting on my 2024 Word of the Year, “Mindfulness,” I realized a profound desire to delve deeper into my roots. While “Mindfulness” has been a valuable guide, I felt a yearning to connect with the rich tapestry of my Eastern European heritage. This led me to choose “Mindful Heritage” as my guiding phrase for 2025 – a seemingly odd choice, I admit.

My journey into “Mindful Heritage” is born from a poignant realization: I grew up surrounded by the flavors and echoes of my ancestors, yet I never truly embraced them. My parents and aunts/uncles lovingly prepared dishes like halupki (stuffed cabbage rolls), halushki (cabbage and noodles), sauerkraut rolls, yellow Easter cheese, paska, and perogi (dumplings), but I rarely paid attention. During my childhood, I recall a brief, awkward foray into traditional Carpathian Russian dance classes my then Orthodox Church offered kids and teens, complete with colorful folk costumes. Yet, I never truly grasped the significance of these cultural expressions.

The truth is, I never met either side of my grandparents, who passed away before I was born. My Dudu (grandfather) hailed from Du’brava, Humenne’, Presovsky, Slovakia, while my Bubba (grandmother) emigrated from Ukraine. My maternal grandparents also had Ukrainian roots, though their specific towns of origin remain unknown to me. This disconnect from my elders left a void in my understanding of my heritage. I missed the opportunity to sit in their kitchens, learning cherished recipes and listening to their life stories in the “old country.”

Czechoslovakia, the land of my paternal ancestors’ birth, no longer exists. It dissolved into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1994. This historical shift adds another layer of complexity to my quest.

My “Mindful Heritage” journey will be a multifaceted exploration. I aim to:

  • Uncover Culinary Traditions: I will dedicate myself to learning the art of preparing traditional Eastern European dishes. I’ll start with the familiar – halupki, perogi, and borscht – and gradually expand my repertoire. I’ll seek out authentic recipes, trying ones I haven’t heard of before.
  • Delve into History and Culture: I will immerse myself in Slovakia and Ukraine’s history, geography, and culture. I’ll explore their rich past to the challenges of the 20th century. I will learn about their unique customs, traditions, and festivals, as well as Christmas and Easter celebrations, often involving intricate egg decorating techniques. I fondly remember Holy Supper on January 7th growing up.
  • Understand the Everyday Life of My Ancestors: I will seek to understand the daily lives of my ancestors. What were their occupations? What were their social structures? What were their joys and struggles? How did they adapt to life in a new country?
  • Embrace the Interconnectedness of Cultures: I will recognize that Eastern European cultures are deeply intertwined. Slovakia and Ukraine share culinary traditions and historical influences with neighboring countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Romania, and even Austria and Germany.

My Paternal Grandparents

My Bubba Julia Krassnoski & Dudu George Krassnoski

All In All

This journey will be a personal and deeply meaningful one. It’s about more than just learning recipes or accumulating historical facts. It’s about connecting with my roots, honoring my ancestors, and cultivating a deeper sense of self.

“Mindful Heritage” is not just a phrase; it’s a commitment to a lifelong exploration. It’s about approaching this journey with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to understand. I am excited to embark on this odyssey of discovery and to share what I have learned along the way.

Fun Fact: In many Eastern European languages, surnames have distinct endings to indicate gender. For male surnames ending in “-ski” (like my birth maiden name Krassnoski), the female equivalent often ends in “-ska”. Therefore, the female form of the surname Krassnoski would likely be Krassnoska.

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects my personal journey and perspective. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or definitive guide to Eastern European history or culture.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!

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