While Ukrainian people continue their struggle against occupants, people in all over the world wear Ukrainian embroidered clothes called “vyshyvanka” as a token of solidarity with Ukraine.
The embroidered clothes was worn in Ukraine from ancient times. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus mentioned that Scythian which lived on the present-day territory of Ukraine, wore embroidered clothes. The same mentions were made about ancient Ukrainians by Arabian merchants later. Famous The Cucuteni-Trypillian culture, people of which are known as ancestors of Ukrainians, also widely used embroidery in their life. Today it is considered that Ukrainians inherited and developed this kind of arts highly.
By old traditions, embroidery was a kind of needlework of Ukrainian women without reference to their estates. Rich ladies and poor girls sewed and embroidered their clothes and different goods such as table-cloths, napkins and, of course, well-known Ukrainian towels called “rushnyky”. Skills of this applied art were handed down from mother to daughter. By elaborately embroidered clothes and towels of a young girl people determined her skills and could decide if she will become a good wife.
In such a way Ukrainian ladies highly developed their skills of embroidery. Nowadays beautiful Ukrainian embroidered shirt “vyshyvanka” became a symbol of free Ukrainian people in all over the world.
In 2014 vyshyvanka became a world trend and citizens of different countries wear this popular Ukrainian clothes as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainians. Famous world designers and couturiers, for example, Isabel Marant, Alberta Ferretti and others, create clothes in Ukrainian style. Such celebrities as Anne Hathaway, Lana Del Rey, Danielle Linkear, Katie Holmes, Kate Moss, Halle Berry, Demi Lovato, Molly Sims, Taylor Swift and many others were seen being wearing this embroidered Ukrainian clothes.
So if you plan your trip to Ukraine this year, don’t miss a chance to purchase such a beautiful Ukrainian souvenir that will become your sign of solidarity with Ukrainians.