FEB 26 | Ukrainian Embroidery

Researchers say that in ancient times embroidery was a ritual that was carried out on particular
days. Master embroiderers could not sit down to work unless their thoughts were pure and bright, their energy positive and creative.

It is interesting to note that embroiderers did not copy other people’s patterns. Their work was very individual. Each woman had her own “language of decorative writing”, where through colours, lines and patterns she created a unique object, coded for good fortune for herself and her loved ones. Copying another person’s pattern meant taking over someone else’s life and destiny.

Embroidery was not considered work or study, but magic and mystery, a way of conveying one’s disposition and inner energy by coding signs and symbols on fabrics. It is truly amazing when we look at the etymology of the word “vyshyvka”, derived from “vyshniy” (divine/heavenly) and translated into Greek as “cosmos”.

A characteristic feature of ancient embroidery is its concise perfection. There is nothing
superfluous; each detail is intentional. Embroidery patterns represent special written symbols. No wonder Hutsul
embroiderers used to say: “I will write this shirt.” Therefore, images of animals, people, stars, plants, etc., were “written” into the ornaments.