15/05/2025
🇺🇦This is my column for Faina UA & today we speak about an important part of Ukrainian culture & identity🇺🇦: the traditional embroidered shirt, called "vyshyvanka"!
Vyshyvankas were not just clothing - they were worn as protective garments, believed to guard the person from evil spirits and misfortune.
They also carried deep emotional meaning.
Brides embroidered shirts for their future husbands, putting their feelings and prayers into each stitch.
The process could take weeks or even months, requiring dedication & care.
The vyshyvanka has been a symbol of love & fidelity❤️
Symbolic patterns & color combinations vary across Ukraine, reflecting the unique heritage of each region.
One of the most distinct styles is Borshchiv embroidery, characterized by the use of black threads - "black-on-white embroidery".
Another very special style is “white-on-white” embroidery from the Poltava region featuring delicate patterns created with white threads on white fabric, creating a sophisticated play of light and texture.
One of the first to modernize the vyshyvanka was a prominent Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko, who wore it with a contemporary jacket, featured on Ukraine’s 20-hryvnia banknote.
Ukrainian vyshyvankas are also loved by international celebrities, like Demi Moore, Mila Kunis, Kate Moss, Salma Hayek etc.
Even Pablo Picasso appeared in the vyshyvanka, gifted to him by his wife.
Today, vyshyvankasis experiencing a true revival. It is a powerful statement of national identity, unity & resilience of Ukrainians!
People love wearing vyshyvankas both on festive and normal days!
Every year on the third Thursday of May, Ukrainians celebrate Vyshyvanka Day, which is today, so
Happy Vyshyvanka Day! 💙💛
Do you also have a similar tradition of embroidered shirts in your country? Let me know in the comments😊
P.S. The photos feature members of Faina Community in traditional & modern vyshyvankas!
