The Unification of Ukrainian Intellectuals: Traditions of Honoring T. Shevchenko’s Memory

The study highlights the attempt to characterize and systematize the main measures tocommemorate the memory of T. Shevchenko among representatives of Ukrainian intellectuals. The article gives a general description of the process of becoming the tradition of celebrating Shevchenko anniversaries, as a form of association of Ukrainian intellectuals. It is revealed that the tradition of the annual commemoration of T. Shevchenko emerged during the evenings in the family circle of the advanced nationally conscious Ukrainian intellectuals. Studying the memories of the leading representatives of the Ukrainian intellectuals, the process of disseminating the idea of the annual celebration and commemoration of Kobzar from his closest intellectual environment to the intellectual centers of Ukrainians in the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires is presented. Considering various forms of commemoration of T. Shevchenko’s memory, their description and influence on both: the Ukrainian intellectuals and Ukrainian society are presented. The tradition of honoring T. Shevchenko’s memory, forming it as an ideal of the Ukrainian national liberation movement was a key factor in the process of establishing the corporate identity of Ukrainian intellectuals. Keywords: Intellectuals, Shevchenko, Shevchenko anniversaries, traditions of intellectuals, the unionof intellectuals