In November last year Information centre “Ukraine – 2012” launched the Euro-2012 unofficial mascot competition and received more than 100 entries.

Entry project of CIES alumni group (class 2009-2010) got special attention of the organizers and instantly became a media sensation. The project apart from the visual aspect also conveyed an integral cultural symbol concept. For Ukraine it may become that special symbol to showcase ancient history and rich culture of the country, as well as underline the connection with Poland, Europe and the world.

Zozulica is the revived clay whistle bird image, shaped and named after a cuckoo. It takes us back 7 thousands of years in the past, to the times of Trypillia civilization, when these images first appeared.

Trypillya is a common historical past for two Euro 2012 co-host countries, and Zozulica may be justly considered the amulet for both the Ukrainian and Polish nations.

The competition results are soon to follow, but in Ukraine Zozulica already has got high public attention.

Leading Ukrainian TV channels, radios and press named it one of the most original and inspiring projects.

Zozulica also became popular with Internet users, who already called it “Euro-2012 Cultural Symbol” and “The Ukrainian Answer to Vuvuzelas”. However, there is a principal difference between them. Unlike vuvuzelas, Zozulica is aimed at harmonizing space and sacral unity, not at noise disturbance. Another difference – Zozulica is a symbol of deeply-rooted traditions and music, not simply another football fans’ instrument.

Zozulica is unique. It is an ancient music instrument, a toy of many generations, a symbol of rich cultural heritage and traditions, a key to discover highly developed pottery and other crafts in Ukraine, an amulet for every football fan and tourist coming to Ukraine in 2012.

Zozulica has all the potential to unite football and history and present the unique Ukraine to the whole world.
Soon authors of the project are planning to introduce a promotional clip, web-page and detailed concept of Zozulica in context of the Euro 2012.

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