Today, on the 19th of May Ukrainians all over the world celebrate Vyshyvanka or embroidered clothes Day. Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian ornament embroidered male or female clothes as well as things used as home such as towels, napkins, table clothes, quilts or even carpets.

Ukrainian embroidery varies in its techniques and usually different regions or oblasts in Ukraine have their own traditional patterns and favorite embroidery techniques.

In the photo, you can see the ornaments which have traditionally been used in different regions of Ukraine.

Embroidered shirts have been there since ancient times, which is proven by history annals and the images on the frescos of Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv which was built almost one thousand years ago in 1018. Ukraine has a huge collection of traditional Ukrainian embroidered artifacts from the 17 century till now.

Patterns and ornaments which Ukrainians use in their traditional clothes are mostly symbols that represent the energy of water and fire. Sun is shown on embroidery as an octagonal star and water is shown as wavy lines. Such symbols not only paid respect to the Sun and water but also warded off the evil. Another common symbol traditionally used in embroidered ornaments is a rhombus with a dot in the middle which portrays fertility.

Embroidered clothes and household things often depict plants specifically viburnum or kalyna which a symbol of combining three sources of fire – the Sun, the Moon and the starts. Red colour of viburnum is a symbol of the blood and immortality of the nation.

Vyshyvankas or embroidered shirts for men often have oak tree leaves which is a symbol of strength, energy of life and development. An interesting ornament is that of grapes which means happy family life. Grapes is often seen not only on shirts but also on embroidered towels or table clothes. Periwinkle and hop in embroidery are the symbols of youth and growth and red poppy seeds symbolize family safety and protection from the evil. Embroidered rose is a symbol of love and goodness and sunflowers is that of life, energy and happiness.

The use of colors in embroidery is not casual either. Red color means the Sun, luck, protection, love and passion. Green color means birth and growth. Yellow color is a symbol of the energy of the Sun, life, happiness, wealth and prosperity. Blue color is a symbol of female energy, peace, water and sky. White is the color of purity and piousness and black means pain, suffering and negative energy.

Traditionally women in Ukraine were embroidering their clothes and other household things while sitting at home during long cold winter evenings when field works could not be done. Girls embroidered clothes for themselves as well as for their future husbands. Embroidery on clothes and other things is not only decoration but also a sign of hard work, respect to the traditions of the nation, culture and the elders of the family. Very often old vyshyvankas are given through generations from grandmother to mother to daughter.

Recently we have many new and modern approaches to embroidery patterns and techniques. Vyshyvanka not only became a link to unite Ukrainians with their traditions and preserve our ancient culture but also a thread which brings us into future with its new trends in fashion and lifestyle.

Now that Ukrainians in Ukraine are not able to celebrate, when the war and Russian occupation is tearing Ukraine apart and puts the lives of millions under threat Ukrainians all over the world feel even more connected with their motherland and want to help and support Ukraine and Ukrainians on the mainland.