The Vyshivanka Day

Vyshyvanka, i.e. a characteristic, traditional Ukrainian shirt with embroidered patterns (associated with Ukraine) mainly on cuffs and collars and on the front of the shirt. This holiday, although very young, is very important for the Ukrainian people. It was initiated in 2007 by students of the University of Czerniowice. The idea came from a student Lesja Woroniuk, who suggested that her friends should wear shirts with embroidery on one day. At the beginning, several dozen students and several lecturers took part in the action. In the following years, the holiday grew to a national level, and later even attracted those who live outside Ukraine. It is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of May, the weekday has not been chosen without significance. Thursday was chosen instead of the weekend because the Ukrainians wanted to emphasize how important part of life and culture is for Ukrainians. In Ukraine, an embroidered shirt is part of the national costume. Ukrainians put them on for important family events and religious and even state holidays. Until now, Wyszywanki were worn mainly by people with patriotic views, demonstrating their national identity. Everyone wears them now, because they have become (along with the Ukrainian flag) one of the most important national symbols. For Ukraine, this holiday is not only a celebration of beautifully embroidered costumes, it is above all, and especially this year, a symbol of belonging to their country, a symbol of the struggle for their freedom and independence.