Embroidering traditions in Ukraine

Ukraine’s always been famous for its “vyshyvanki”, traditional handmade embroidered shirts, and “ryshnyky”, traditional handmade embroidered towels.
The tradition of embroidery goes back to pre-Christ times. In those times there were many different symbols which had certain meanings. Time passed fading their sacred meaning though the traditions of using them remain till nowadays. The embroidering ornaments can be nodivided into three groups: geometrical, floral and animalistic. They reflect different beliefs of ancient people.

But not only the ornament but its colour plays great role. Here are some main explanations of colour meanings. Red symbolizes love, energy, passion and aggressiveness. Usually you can find it on men’s wedding shirts. White symbolizes love and chastity.Yellow is for joy. Orange was usually used to emphasize vitality. Blue is for water, feminine. Violet symbolizes the men and women connection. It was widely used in embroidering for pregnant women and children. Light blue, green and orange are for spiritual sector. They promise a calm quiet life. Black symbolizes the wish to be closed from everyone. Shirts with black ornaments were worn during the Lent.

So, pay your attention to colours while choosing embroidered clothes or towels.