On the International Vyshyvanka Day, people wear Ukrainian national embroidered shirts that impress with their beauty and diversity. However, not everybody knows that images and patterns feature rich symbolism.
Each stitch, star or flower has its own meaning. Ukrainians believed that embroidery is a peculiar talisman protecting against everything bad and they tried to represent happiness, fate, life, and power in the ornaments.
Square
The symbol of well-being, peace, and fortune. It also means perfection, harmony, and order. In the Ukrainian tradition, the square is the symbol of earth.
Rhomb
The symbol of the sun and earth union as well as utility. It consists of two triangles which represent the male and female principles. The rhomb with a dot inside means a sown field which equaled to prosperity and abundance for Ukrainian ancestors.
Circle
The symbol of the sun, heaven energy, and eternity.
Herbal motives
Main meanings are purity and prosperity.
Snowball tree
The symbol of love, wealth, beauty, motherhood, and procreation (bush – mother, berries – children).
Grapes
The symbol of family happiness.
Poppy flowers
Help ward off the evil eye.
The tree of life
The symbol of beauty, youth, soul renewal, immortality, resurrection, and fertility.
Heart
The symbol of a happy family life. The heart is usually embroidered on wedding dresses.
Stars
The stars protect from evil, diseases, and weakness.
Chevrons
The symbols of the female and male essence, spirit, and matter.
Wavy lines
The symbol of water, rain, time stream, and the evolution of the universe.
Сross
The protective amulet from the evil spirits.
Swarga
The symbol of a hearth and family happiness.
The star with eight rays
The union of female and male principles which gives birth to all.
Сurve dance or the symbol of infinity
The main meanings are life journey, eternity, strength, and vital energy.
Vyshyvanka is more than just an embroidered shirt, is the unique code of the Ukrainian nation.
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