
Ukrainian viburnum ornament has become an integral part of embroidery. Our ancestors richly decorated viburnum embroidered shirts for girls, women and men. Viburnum ornament can also be seen on contemporary wedding towels or as home decor elements.
Viburnum and its ornament have been woven into the traditions and culture of the people of Ukraine since ancient times, carrying a sacred meaning.
THE ORIGIN AND MEANING OF VIBURNUM AS A SYMBOL
Viburnum is a tree of Ukrainian origin, it symbolized the birth of the Universe and the fiery trinity: the Sun, the Moon and the Dawn. The name of this plant comes from the ancient name of the Sun - Kolo.
The red viburnum berries were also often considered a symbol of blood and immortality. It is because of this that the viburnum ornament can be seen on the wedding towels of our ancestors, as well as on girls' and boys' shirts.
Since ancient times, viburnum and its ornament have been considered a symbol of love, happiness, beauty and wealth. It also symbolized a woman "in her prime", which is why viburnum became an integral element of marriage ceremonies. Viburnums were often used to decorate homes with Ukrainian ornaments, drawing pictures on the wall or hanging viburnum berries from the ceiling. Such a gesture meant that there was a girl in the family whose parents were waiting for matchmakers.
On Ukrainian embroideries, viburnum can also be seen in the form of a tree with berries and birds at the top. In this case, the tree itself connects the peace of the living and the dead, and the birds carry news from the afterlife.
Viburnum ornament is a sacred and mythical symbol of life, fire and blood.
SYMBOL OF MOTHERHOOD IN VIBURNUM ORNAMENT
The Ukrainian people believed that viburnum is a symbol of motherhood and family values. This plant personified the mother's care, her tenderness and strength.
The branches on the viburnum ornament meant the creation of a protective circle and protection, they symbolized tenderness and maternal support. Berries and viburnum flowers are a symbol of children, who abundantly decorate the embroidery, as a continuation of the Ukrainian family, the gifts of life and a new beginning. Every berry is unique, like every Ukrainian child.
The viburnum ornament has become the most popular element on Ukrainian embroidered shirts, due to its incredible energy and symbolism.
THE INFLUENCE OF VIBURNUM ON UKRAINIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Ukrainian viburnum ornament represents beauty and strength, but this beauty is immortal, and strength is incredible!
The viburnum on the embroidery has become a business card of the Ukrainian people since ancient times. This incredibly beautiful ornament can be seen both on the embroidered shirts of our ancestors and on modern embroidered shirts. The viburnum pattern could be seen on girls' and men's shirts. For Parubkov, the viburnum and its ornament symbolized protection from evil forces and troubles, i.e. such shirts were rather amulets for representatives of the male sex.
The Ukrainian people preserved the viburnum symbolism and carried it through the years and centuries. Today it is safe to say that viburnum represents Ukraine itself. No other plant ornament has such great importance for our people.
As a symbol of the native land, the viburnum was reflected in the anthem of the Sich shooters:
"Oh, the red viburnum bent over in the meadow.
Our glorious Ukraine is upset about something.
And we will raise that red viburnum.
And we will cheer up our glorious Ukraine!"
Already at this stage of the history of the Ukrainian people, you can find confirmation that viburnum is perceived as a symbol of national unity and the Motherland.
The viburnum ornament represents the timeless union of generations, such as the living with those who have already departed to the afterlife, as well as the living with those who are yet to be born.
POPULARITY OF VIBURNUM EMBROIDERY IN MODERN DESIGN
Over time, viburnum on embroidery did not lose its popularity, but on the contrary, new, more modern interpretations appeared. In modern Ukraine, there are many new brands of Ukrainian ethnic clothing. Now the viburnum ornament can be seen not only on shirts, but also on jackets, overalls, trousers, etc.
It is not uncommon to find images of viburnum on modern tableware and other things, such as passport covers, towels, home decor, etc.
The Ukrainian people do not forget their traditions and beliefs, but have been passing them down from generation to generation for many years.
VIBURNUM ORNAMENT IN EMBROIDERY: PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONS
During the entire existence of the Ukrainian people, we formed many beliefs and traditions that can be found in modern Ukraine to this day.
Viburnum on the embroidery is not an exception! On the contrary, the viburnum symbol is one of the most important in the culture of the Ukrainian people. He personifies female strength, motherhood, the unity of generations, goodness, wealth, love, happiness and ultimately Ukraine itself, the spirit of our indomitability and patriotism.

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