Embroidered shirts are something without which it is impossible to imagine the culture of the Ukrainian people, as well as their traditions and way of life. The embroidered shirt has a sacred meaning to this day, and its beauty and variety of ornaments fascinates at first sight.

PROMOTION OF EMBROIDERY AMULET

Embroidery as a talisman dates back to the times of the Scythians, who lived on the territory of Ukraine even before our era. During the excavations of their settlements, embroidered shirts and other elements of cultural heritage were found.

However, Scythian settlements are far from the only evidence that embroidery, as a symbol of amulet, has existed since ancient times. For example, near the village of Mizyn (Chernihiv region), researchers found the remains of richly and uniquely embroidered shirts. It is believed that this embroidered shirt is one of the oldest examples of this clothing. An amulet embroidered shirt was also found near the present-day Mykolaiv region during excavations of the grave of a noble Sarmatian woman. Woolen clothes with embroidery were found at the excavation site. It is important to note that this discovery confirms the fact that the embroidered shirt was a symbol of amulet and played a great role for our ancestors. Shirts with embroidered amulets were also found on the territory of the modern Kyiv Cave Monastery. Some of them were embroidered by Maria-Magdalena Mazepina, the mother of the famous hetman.

During the times of Kyivan Rus, there was also a tradition of wearing Ukrainian embroidery as a talisman. It could be undergarments or outerwear and was made of linen or cloth. Depending on the region of Ukraine at the time, embroidered shirts could have different cuts and ornaments. In addition, an embroidered shirt as a talisman could be festive or casual, which also influenced the nature of the embroidery and its elements.

In the XVIII century, embroidered shirts were worn only by people of noble families, but in the XIX century, a turning point in the history of the embroidered shirt came. At that time, embroiderers appeared - craftswomen who made embroidered shirts as amulets. They could order this sacred and traditional clothing for the whole family.

Thus, gradually, embroidery became an integral part of the culture of the Ukrainian people, originating from ancient times.

THE MAIN SYMBOLS OF AN EMBROIDERED AMULET

The ancestors of the Ukrainian people sincerely believed that embroidery is a powerful amulet against evil spirits, diseases and troubles. These beliefs have survived to the present day. The people of Ukraine believed that the image of certain elements and symbols brings happiness and protects from evil fate and various troubles.

For example, for babies teething, embroidered amulets usually contained images of squirrels; for women who could not get pregnant, the signs of Lela and Lada were depicted; for pregnant women and women in labor, embroidered shirts were decorated with the ornament of a pear tree and a family tree; and to protect men's health and virility, the image of a fern flower was used.

There are other ornaments and elements to create an embroidered shirt as a talisman:

a circle decorated with a cross inside or a hexagon - this is a thunderbolt, it protects against thunderstorms and is one of the most powerful amulets for male warriors;
a crossed cross is a sign of the Sun that protects against evil spirits;
red spiral - an element of Ukrainian embroidery as a talisman that protects against evil spirits, strengthens the connection with ancestors and enhances intuition;
“uzhyky” or ‘ram's horns’ are a symbol of prosperity, so most often such symbols can be found in people who want to buy something as soon as possible and achieve material well-being;
cock's crest - scared away nightmares;
triangle with a speck on top - such an embroidered amulet was worn by elders and headmen, it symbolizes diplomacy and a balanced character.

An embroidered shirt as a talisman is a wonderful tradition of the Ukrainian people that has survived to this day. Embroidered shirts give strength, inspiration, have powerful energy and protect from evil spirits and failures.

TRADITIONS OF EMBROIDERING AN EMBROIDERED SHIRT AS A TALISMAN

Creating an embroidered shirt as a talisman requires compliance with certain rules for creating an ornament. In general, this process was taken very seriously, because not only the appearance of the shirt, but also its amulet properties depended on it.

The most important traditions were considered to be:

No knots - embroidery was supposed to be decorated without the use of knots.
The thread should not be torn or twisted - if this happens, then it is better to completely dissolve the pattern and start creating it again.
One type of fabric - an embroidered amulet is always sewn exclusively from one fabric, a combination of different types of fabrics is not allowed.
Shirts for pregnant women, women in labor and mothers - sewn exclusively on women's days.
Women's shirts - were created only on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, when the full moon can be seen in the sky. The full moon symbolized pregnancy and women's health.
Embroidery created with black wool is an ideal option for a person faced with evil, human cunning and the evil eye.
Men's amulet shirts were sewn exclusively on Thursday, and the ends of the threads were knotted so that evil forces could not hide in the pattern.

There are many different traditions of creating embroidery amulets, all of which play a huge role for the ancestors of the Ukrainian people.

VYSHYVANKA AMULET IN MODERN LIFE AND CULTURE

The people of Ukraine continue to believe in vyshyvanka as a symbol of protection from evil spirits, curses, misfortunes, etc. Ukrainians have carried this tradition through the years and centuries. The embroidered shirt as a talisman is still an integral part of Ukrainian culture. We wear it on holidays, on important events, for protection in difficult moments of life.

The modern realities of the Ukrainian people further encourage us to observe the traditions and cultural heritage of our ancestors. In recent years, many modern Ukrainian clothing brands have appeared in Ukraine. However, in addition to embroidered shirts, you can see other elements of clothing: overalls, dresses, jackets, trousers and skirts.

The traditions of embroidery are developing rapidly in Ukraine, but they do not lose their original sacred meaning.