Homeland

Embroidery is an ancient art or handicraft, which was and is now the hallmark of my homeland Ukraine. From childhood, I began to learn about this art, since my grandmother was engaged in embroidery and in our house there were always elements in the decor where embroidery was present. I remember for sure that the most beautiful thing was the pillows with bright red poppies embroidered on them. When I entered the bedroom, these bright elements immediately caught my eye and evoked warmth. Even now, many years later, when I remember what I saw, I feel the same warmth in my soul and a sense of peace.

Embroidered elements have always been present in ancient rituals and wedding ceremonies. For example, during the wedding, it was obligatory to have 2 towels embroidered by hand with embroidery that carry symbols of wealth, love and prosperity for newlyweds. Some of these elements were: doves, which symbolized marital fidelity, rings, so that the marriage was smooth and without quarrels, and of course, flowers are luxury and understanding. Speaking of flowers, the most popular was the sunflower, the flower of Ukraine. Often mallow was embroidered if someone in the family died in the war. Rowan and viburnum were very popular. Their bright red berries spoke of fertility. And in ancient times, rowan berries were strung on a thread and worn like beads by Ukrainian girls.

Embroidery also entered as an obligatory element on the clothes of our people. The outfits turned out to be very beautiful, elegant, and colorful. But it took a lot of time and patience to create embroidery. It's hard work. Which does not require haste. It was considered ideal that the pattern on the face and on the inside looks like a mirror, without knots and irregularities. But not everyone had this skill.

My grandmother was more of an amateur than a professional, but her soul and love were invested in her embroidery. And everyone could feel it when they saw the colorfully decorated details of the bed, the iconostasis, or any clothing that was magnificent if embroidery was added to them.

Over time, people stopped wearing embroidered shirts in everyday life, but there are still cities in Ukraine where all traditions are observed and where the embroidery is an integral part of life, which is very important. It is important not to forget our roots, not to betray our memory, and to keep with trepidation in our souls what our formation was based on. It is important to always remember who we are and where we are from and just love our country with its advantages and disadvantages!