National Holiday – Vyshyvanka Day

by Irina Kantimerova

My name is Irina. I am from Ukraine. Every year on the third Thursday of May in Ukraine, the Day of Vyshyvanka, is celebrated.

Vyshyvanka is a national cloth. It symbolizes beauty, power, independence, happiness, and family memory.

The idea of Vyshyvanka Day was suggested in 2006 by Lesia Voroniuk, then a student of Chernivtsi University. She suggested that her classmates and students choose one day and wear vyshyvanka shirts all together. Later it attracted the Ukrainian diaspora around the world as well as supporters of Ukraine.

In 2011 was marked by setting the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people dressed in embroidered shirts and gathered in one place. More than 4,000 people in vyshyvanka shirts gathered on Chernivtsi’s Central Square.

For many years, the vyshyvanka serve as a talisman for Ukrainians. Vyshyvanka is a powerful amulet against misfortunes: each stitch kept love and warmth of the soul.

Each region of Ukraine has its own traditions of embroidery and symbolism of ornaments.

Now Vyshyvanka Day has a special meaning – Ukrainians are forced to defend their national authenticity and fight for it, giving their lives.

Author’s Note: My name is Irina. I am from Ukraine. I studied at Blue Ridge Literacy.