Each nation has its traditional clothes that represent the history, customs, and traditions of the country. The symbol of the Ukrainian people is a beautiful vyshyvanka. The whole world recognizes Ukraine for symbolic, elegant embroidery! Vyshyvanka is used as a talisman to protect the person wearing it. Ukrainian embroidery has an extremely ancient origin. There are plant, floral, geometric, and zoomorphic ornamentations. In every region of Ukraine, traditionally, we can see different symbols and patterns on embroideries.
Color, shape, cut, material, ornament are important and create an energy of a thing. Red – is the most popular colour of embroidery! Red symbolizes love to humans, life, the sun energy, joy! Blue is the symbol of the sky and water. White embroidery was regarded as the symbol of virginity and protected girls from misfortunes and the evil eye! Design and ornament were also important: viburnum means beauty, oak stands for strength and life. Roses bring love and sunflowers are a symbol of the sun, light, and labour!
The best patterns were embroidered by the loving hands of mothers, wives, and grandmothers. People wore vyshyvankas both on weekdays and on holidays. In addition to shirts, wedding towels, icons, banners, elements of home decor (tablecloths and pillows) were decorated with embroidery. But the most important thing is the embroidered shirt. Our ancestors could determine where a man is from by his shirt at first glance! Embroidered clothes are the national pride of Ukrainians! Vyshyvanka is not just clothes, it is a symbol of Ukrainian identity!