The Ukrainian vyshyvanka is our heritage

The Ukrainian vyshyvanka is our heritage, our cultural DNA, and part of our identity. It is a manuscript of stories, memories, history, fights, identity, and resilience. I did not understand it before the full-scale invasion. Each stitch holds a story, obviously a painful and difficult story; each pattern reflects the history whispered by our ancestors. Honestly, Ukrainians are great storytellers, not because we were taught how to do it, but because we fought for our freedom from generation to generation; we tell our stories by words, we transcend our stories on canvases and stages, we use needles, symbols, and even kitchen utensils to transform the heritage that we have into the world through stories.

Every region of Ukraine has its own motifs and colors in Vyshyvanka: the black-and-red of Poltava, the geometric patterns of the Carpathians, the rich polychrome of Bukovyna. Vyshyvanka is not for aesthetics as it is known now; this is a great talisman and protector, a symbol of strength and freedom, bravery and resilience.

I understood who I truly am only after 24.02.2022; I ultimately remembered my national identity through awful circumstances. And this is for a reason - russia did everything possible and impossible to erase our memory and eradicate our identity. But this terrible war awakened very harshly and painfully not only me, but millions of people.

Now, wearing vyshyvanka for me is not about fashion clothing, but about my identity and belonging, and showing honor to my roots, my motherland, and my ancestors. It feels very acute when you are far away from your home, living in another country. Then the voice of your identity becomes so loud and vivid that you can proudly tell - I am a Ukrainian. This is my superpower. And for millions of Ukrainians, this is not a buzzword; this is our essence that helps us survive, not because of, but despite...

The vyshyvanka I am wearing in these photos tells a lot through the language of contrasts.... Black foundation symbolizes the connection of the Ukrainian people to the earth, which is fertile, the origin of all life. The black color is perfectly united with a dramatic contrast of red and white.

The big sleeves flourish with patterns of spirals, flowers, and abstract forms. Red color is associated with love, blood, sacrifice, struggle, and life force. White color is associated with purity, innocence, light and truth, holiness and spirituality; like a blank canvas of life. Together, red and white represent life’s duality. Besides colors, pivotal are elements of decoration itself, like here flowers are represented like circles of life, reminders of eternal cycles. The symmetry suggests balance, while the boldness of the motifs speaks of courage, of declaring identity without fear.

Next time you see a Ukrainian person in a vyshyvanka, understand that it's not just a piece of clothing; it is a story told by millions that will live forever in eternity.