We, Ukrainians are proud of and embrace our Ukrainian culture, traditions, and roots. When we are told to show how Ukrainian we are, we will do exactly that. Thursday, May 21st marks Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Day, which is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May. On this day, Ukrainians all over the world wear Vyshyvankas to preserve ancestral traditions of wearing embroidered ethnic clothing. This event – a holiday dedicated to Vyshanakas, is an opportunity for Ukrainian communities all over the world and Ukrainians residing in Ukraine to spread the idea of Ukrainian national identity and show their patriotism. Click here to learn more about the Vyshyvanka Day.
What’s the meaning of a Vyshyvanka one might ask?
“The vyshyvanka not only speaks of its Ukrainian origin but also of the particular region in which it was made. The knowing eye could detect where a person hailed from by the clothes on their back. Embroidery is thus an important craft within Ukraine and different techniques exist to suit local styles with their own particular patterns and colors. Traditionally, the thread was colored according to local formulas using bark, leaves, flowers, berries and so on. In this way, the local environment is literally reflected in the color of the embroidery.”
— JJ Gurga, Echoes of the Past: Ukrainian Poetic Cinema and the Experiential Ethnographic Mode
Therefore, we encourage you to wear your favorite Vyshyvanka to commemorate this day! From black to white colors, floral to geometric designs, vintage to modern styles, and all the Vyshyvankas in between, make sure to wear them loud and proud!
Even during quarantine, wear your Vyshyvankas and share them on social media! We can spread the beauty of them even while social distancing!
Now, let’s enjoy a beautiful song about Vyshyvankas called, “Бабусина вишиванка!”
Виконують Надійка та Софійка Стельмахи
Вечорами довгими не спала,
А бувало, навіть до зорі.
Трепетно бабуся вишивала
Хрестики на білім полотні.
Зацвіли фіалочки барвисті
І троянди ніжні пелюстки,
Щоб онучці вроду чисту-чисту
Принесли бабусині рядки.
Приспів:
Бабусина вишиванка – дарунок на все життя,
Щоб квітли мої світанки мережкою вишиття.
Нехай кольори веснянки мене бережуть від бід,
Бабусина вишиванка, мов долі моєї цвіт .
Ця сорочка, наче берегиня,
Моїх перших мрій і сподівань.
Я пишаюсь нею у родині,
Радо одягаю без вагань.
Хай твої, бабусю, щедрі руки
Бог благословляє кожен день,
Шоб росли щасливими онуки
І співали сонячних пісень.