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. Every third Thursday of May marks International Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Day. On this day, Ukrainians all over the world wear Vyshyvankas (or Vyshivankas as some may spell it) 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! Don’t forget to spread the word and take pictures!
Now, let’s enjoy a beautiful song about Vyshyvankas called, “Україно моя вишиванко!”
Слова: Григорій Булах
Музика: Олександр Злотник
Україно моя вишиванко
Ти мій біль, моя мука і доля;
Я без тебе як день без світанку,
Я без тебе, як жайвір без поля
Приспів:
Вишиванко моя вишиванко
Смерекова вишнева жага,
Ти далеких Карпат полонянка,
Ти Дніпра мов хвиля жива;
Я по світу іду в вишиванці
Аж дивуються ген журавлі,
Хай встрічають в веселій багрянці
Україна іде по землі.
Україно моя вишиванко
Ти тернова моя голубінь,
Хай святиться навік світлий ранок
І серпневого дня височінь