10 interesting facts about Ukrainian embroidery

Vyshyvanka has long been an integral part of Ukrainian culture, later gaining popularity not only in Ukraine, but also in many other countries of the world.

These clothes were considered mystical and sacred for our ancestors, were a talisman against misfortune, a symbol of a happy fate and belonging to the Ukrainian family.

Interesting facts about Vyshyvanka

We would like to share with you extremely interesting facts about Vyshyvanka, which few people know:

• Vyshyvanka "white on white"

We can safely say that this is one of the most unusual and stylish embroidery, because the embroidery is done with white threads on a white shirt. The pattern creates an extraordinary play of light, and the work itself is considered extremely painstaking and delicate.

Such an embroiderer comes fr om the Poltava region, wh ere needlewomen prepared threads for up to 3 years before starting to make an ornament. The main goal was to make them as snow-white as possible, and since our ancestors did not have chemical bleaches, women left the threads on the river bank on the hottest days. In this way, the threads burned to a snow-white shade in a natural way.

• Borschiv embroidery

Borshchivska is considered to be the most original vyshyvanka. The ornament is made exclusively with black threads, which abundantly decorate the shirt.

There are many legends about the origin of this type of embroidery. One of these is the legend of unrequited love, where a girl whose heart was broken embroidered wedding shirts with black threads.

Another legend says that Borshchivka vyshyvankas arose when the Turks and Tatars destroyed all the men in Borshchivka, and women began to make such vyshyvankas as a symbol of sorrow and sadness.

• A symbol of loyalty and love

According to the traditions of the Ukrainian people, each bride had to embroider a shirt for her future husband. While creating the ornament, the girl whispered a special spell. It was believed that if the embroiderer loses her underwear during washing, then the man is unfaithful to his beloved.

It is also interesting that Chumaks entrusted the washing of their embroidery to only one beloved girl, for others - she was untouchable.

• Vyshyvanka for newborns

One of the interesting facts about vyshyvanka for children is that these clothes were decorated with ornaments and given to newborns in order to protect the child fr om diseases and evil spirits. Such a tradition appeared not just like that, but because of the belief that the embroidered shirt is a talisman against misfortune.

• Thread color

Before the advent of artificial dyes, threads were given the desired color with the help of natural dyes. It could be decoctions of bark, flowers, fruits. So, almost all shades of yellow were obtained from wheat straw, and gold threads were obtained by baking the threads in the oven in rye dough.

• "cross" technique

This technique came to the Ukrainian people only in the 19th century from Europe. Prior to this, embroiderers used the low stitch, goat stitch, top stitch and other techniques.

• Professional holiday of embroiderers

This holiday is celebrated on December 17, so if you have embroiderers in your family, don't forget to congratulate them on their professional holiday.

• Uniqueness and unity

Each region of Ukraine has its own unique style of embroidery. Shirts vary in style, techniques and ornaments. However, in this diversity, you can also see the unity of the Ukrainian people. The color of the shirt and the symbolism of the ornament are the same in any corner of Ukraine. For example, a viburnum symbolizes the indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit, and a bunch of grapes - family happiness and well-being.

• Vyshyvanka is not everyday clothing

Many people believe that our ancestors wore embroidered shirts almost every day, but this statement is false. Since the washing process was difficult, and vyshyvankas were created with great effort, and the process of creating an ornament itself was considered painstaking - such clothes were very valuable and were not worn by Ukrainians every day. Shirts for every day were called "budenka", they were not decorated with anything and were used for everyday tasks of Ukrainians.

• The first fashionista in embroidered clothes

The title of the first fashionista in an embroidered shirt can be given to Ivan Franko. He stylishly combined an embroidered jacket with a jacket, this is exactly his image reflected on the 20 hryvnias bill.

Popularity of Ukrainian embroidery in the world

Incredible Ukrainian vyshyvankas have found their place in more than 60 countries of the world, wh ere Vysyvankas Day is celebrated together with the Ukrainian diaspora.

In 2012, Ukrainian designer Olena Burenina created an embroidered shirt for Madonna, timed to coincide with the release of the singer MDNA's new album.

The world-famous VOGUE magazine also wrote about Vyshyvanka in 2015. The article was devoted to Ukrainian ornaments, and embroidered clothes were called the trend of 2016.

This aesthetic and stylish attribute of our culture often inspires Western designers to create new collections. Thus, in the collection from Valentino, which is called "Resort 2017", Ukrainian motifs of ornaments and embroidery are clearly traced.

As you can see, Vyshyvanka and interesting facts about it found a response in the hearts of many people around the world, something that the Ukrainian people can definitely be proud of!