Ukrainians celebrate World Vyshyvanka Day
THE World Vyshyvanka Day is an international holiday dedicated to preserving the iconic Ukrainian embroidered clothes as a symbol of the material and spiritual heritage of Ukrainians.
Every year on the third Thursday in May, Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine from more than 100 countries wear vyshyvanka in celebration of this tradition. This year, it was celebrated on May 18.
The idea of commemorating this day originated in 2006 at Chernivtsi National University by its student Lesia Voroniuk, and gradually became international in scope.
In conditions of war, for the second year in a row, vyshyvankas are being worn by Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. The World Vyshyvanka Day is symbolic and Ukrainians—wearing the special outfit—declare that they are the brave citizens of the independent state fighting for their freedom.
Embroidery is not only part of the national clothing of Ukraine; it is one of the most recognizable elements of that nation’s heritage—a symbol of freedom and love for their country. Each region has its own traditions of embroidered, symbolic ornament elements. Ukrainian traditional
embroidery has more than 300 stitches and 20 techniques.
Vyshyvanka is popular not only on the territory of Ukraine. For many years embroidered patterns have conquered even catwalks worldwide.
In 2015 vyshyvanka was recognized as the “Main Trend of the Year,” according to American Vogue magazine. In 2016 the New York Times also gave this same status to the Ukrainian national dress.
With the beginning of the fullscale invasion, when the interest in Ukraine and its culture had a fresh impetus, Ukrainian vyshyvanka became a global fashion trend anew.
Every year politicians and stars from all over the world wear vyshyvanka. Ukrainian designer from the Lviv region Halyna Shunevych creates exclusive embroidery clothing for world leaders. Exclusive vyshyvankas are already in the wardrobe of Boris Johnson, as well as the presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In March 2023 a vyshyvanka was presented to Malaysian prime minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Denys Mykhailiuk, chargé d’affaires (CDA) of Ukraine to Malaysia which also holds jurisdiction over the Philippines, shared that “today, vyshyvanka is not only a symbol of Ukraine: This is a symbol of our freedom and identity. Wearing [it], we show our unity, bravery and beauty of the Ukrainian soul.”
The CDA confirmed that “next time when we have the opportunity, we will definitely present vyshyvanka to [President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.] as a sign of gratitude for the support of Ukraine.”