Shevchenko Day: interesting facts about Taras Shevchenko that not everyone knows

Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko was born in 1814 in the village of Morintsy in Cherkasy region into a serf family. His life became an example of how talent and strength of spirit can change a person's destiny and influence an entire nation.

The collection Kobzar became one of the most important works of Ukrainian literature and awakened the national consciousness of Ukrainians. For his creativity and free thinking, the poet was persecuted and exiled, but he did not renounce his beliefs.

For Ukrainians, 9 March is not only a day to remember an outstanding artist. It is a reminder of the power of words, love for the Motherland, and responsibility for its future.

Interesting facts about Taras Shevchenko

• Taras Shevchenko was a talented artist — he created over 1,300 paintings, of which more than 800 have survived to this day.

• The poet often illustrated his own works, loved to paint self-portraits, and even dabbled in sculpture.

• Shevchenko's works have been translated into more than 100 languages.

• The poet was 164 centimetres tall.

• During his lifetime, Shevchenko was more appreciated as an artist than as a poet.

• He earned well as a portrait painter and therefore always dressed quite fashionably.

• Taras Shevchenko lived in Ukraine for about 15 years during his entire life.

• The poet loved Viennese coffee, but his favourite drink was tea with rum.

• Among Shevchenko's favourite dishes was borscht with dried crucian carp and fresh cabbage.

• In 1975, one of the craters on the planet Mercury was named after Taras Shevchenko.

• There are over 1,380 monuments to the poet around the world. The first appeared in 1881 in the city of Fort Shevchenko.

• The smallest edition of Kobzar is smaller than a poppy seed — it was created by Ukrainian master Mykola Syadristy.

People said that Kobzar did not die — his words continue to live on with the Ukrainian people.

Years pass, inscriptions on stones fade, buildings collapse, but the words of Taras Shevchenko remain alive and relevant. Even today, his poetry reminds us of freedom, dignity and love for Ukraine.