Traditions of Ukrainian embroidery

The information materials are successfully complemented by a personal exhibition of bright embroidered works. folk craftswoman Tovkach Raisa Petrovna, who shared with us her creative works on the occasion of the holiday.

We invite you to view.

Ukrainian embroidery patterns are rightfully considered a bright national brand, known all over the world. Familiar ornaments can be seen on clothes, textiles, shoes, wallets, handbags and other accessories in the folk style. Car embroidery has become a fashionable trend in recent years - decorating car hoods with embroidery patterns. And even from the 20-hryvnia bill, the legendary popularizer of embroidery, Ivan Franko, looks at us. He was the first to wear an embroidered shirt with a modern suit.

Embroidered clothing is not only a stylish look for holidays and everyday life, but also a treasury of sacred symbols, a talisman, and a "message" to future generations.

The history of our embroidery begins with the ancient times of the Scythians and Trypillians. An embroidered costume was found in the Cherkasy region, created around the 6th century AD. The first elements of fabric decoration were associated with the religion of our ancestors. Each symbol carried a specific meaning, protecting its owner from enemies and evil spirits.

Symbolics Ukrainian embroidery reflects the desire for traditional values, over which time has no power:

Health. The image of oak leaves and acorns, as a symbol of strength and longevity. Ancient solar signs (diamonds, squares, stars, circles) were especially popular when creating men's shirts. They granted the protection of the gods and helped to defeat the enemy. On the shirts of warriors, war birds were often embroidered - a rooster and an eagle.

Abundance. Well-known symbols of abundance include grape bunches, ears of wheat and rye, flowering viburnum, images of fish and horses. The popular "water snake" ornament visually resembles a dollar, and the ancient Slavic "sown field" pattern (a square with many cells or a rhombus with a dot inside) resembles beehives filled with honey.

Love. The pattern of Ukrainian embroidery for wedding dresses has always been distinguished by its special sophistication. Not only colored threads were used for decoration, but also beads. Paired symbols are considered a characteristic feature - doves and flowers. Embroidered flowers, a tree with fruits served as an amulet of fertility. Hop cones and leaves promise passionate love, because romantic feelings can also “get intoxicated”. The union of a man and a woman is personified by oak leaves and clusters of viburnum.

Girls' shirts were often decorated with roses, peonies, and viburnum, whose beauty was also exquisite and flawless. Young men's shirts featured cornflowers and periwinkles, which symbolized a blossoming life and spiritual purity.

The symbols of Ukrainian embroidery are beautiful and diverse, so everyone will be able to choose an option that suits their style and taste.

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