Ukrainians have a special holiday that does not imply a day off, mandatory events, activities, or feasts. This day is not tied to any state or religious basis. But its importance for our people is invaluable. We put on the most important element of our wardrobe and proudly congratulate everyone on World Vyshyvanka Day.
This year, it is celebrated on May 18, and the team of the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation wanted to wear their embroidered shirts… But not all of us can wear them… The vyshyvankas of half of our employees remained in the towns on the temporarily occupied territory. But, you know, none of us has lost even a shred of hope that we will soon return home and wear our native VYSHYVANKA!
Although the holiday is only 17 years old, the history of vyshyvanka goes back to ancient times. According to historians, Ukrainian embroidery is over a thousand years old. The famous ancient Greek historian, geographer, and traveler Herodotus claimed that elements of vyshyvanka adorned the clothes of the Scythians who lived on the territory of modern Ukraine during the VIII century BC – IV century AD. Arab merchants also mentioned the Ruses, who wore embroidered clothing.
Vyshyvanka is not just a shirt decorated with ornate embroidery, it is a source of great pride for the Ukrainian nation. Our ancestors considered an embroidered shirt to be a relic and treated it accordingly. This garment was handed down through generations and kept in every home. Ancient Ukrainians viewed vyshyvanka as a charm that symbolized good health, beauty, and family strength. People believed that the ornament protected the wearer from the evil eye, all kinds of failures and illnesses.
Vyshyvanka also helped to distinguish between “friends” and “foes”. The peculiarities of the pattern, the color of the embroidery and the fabric clearly showed who was standing in front and in which part of Ukraine they were born.
What do the colors and patterns on Ukrainian vyshyvankas mean? We will lift the veil of symbolism and mystery for you. Ukrainian craftswomen used threads of different colors for embroidery for a reason:
- red stands for boundless happiness, selfless love and wealth;
- white for joyful life events; shirts of this color were considered festive;
- black for fertility and continuation of the lineage;
- blue for purity and chastity;
- green is the color of youth, beauty, serenity and spring;
- yellow is a symbol of honey and wheat, prosperity, wealth and joy.
Our ancestors used geometric ornaments to magically influence the circumstances of their lives. Secret ancient signs were encrypted on the canvas as spells. The circle symbolized the sun and its movement around the Earth, the square was a symbol of prosperity and well-being, the cross meant the harvest, and the spirals signified fertility and motherhood.
Modern Ukrainians adapt antique clothing in their own way. Creative young people set new trends. Not only shirts, but also T-shirts, dresses, coats, and even hoodies have become embroidered. But the only thing that remains unchanged is that vyshyvanka is engraved in the mind and heart of every Ukrainian. And no one will ever change that!
The team of the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation congratulates all Ukrainians and not only on World Vyshyvanka Day. You can always support Ukrainian children and give them a chance for a happy childhood.