Ukrainian Embroidery

We are all hearing and thinking about Ukraine these days. 

I had heard of Ukrainian embroidery before, but other than seeing colorful embroidered clothing, didn't really know what it was and had never tried it.  Looking on the internet, I came across a free simple Ukrainian pattern for a bookmark on the EGA website. This little pattern was perfect and I started working on it yesterday afternoon, using the called for colors. 

I wondered about the colors used and found this explanation on the 2kolyori website.

White – Everyone knows that this color implies innocence, virginity, purity. Our ancestors considered that embroidery with decorative white color could be worn only by young unmarried girls. It was because white embroidery was regarded as the symbol of virginity and protected girls from misfortunes and the evil eye. 

Red - is the most popular color of embroidery, our ancestors said "this paint fills up positive live energy". Red symbolizes love to humans, life, the sun energy, joy. That's why children's and women's embroidery items are most frequently adorned with red threads on white or red fabrics.

Black – as the earth is the main source of food of our predecessors, they related the color black to the earth and its fertility. But it is not unanimous in different regions of the country. For example, it is considered to be the symbol of mourning and death in the Polissya area, and just on the contrary in Podil and  on Borshivska embroidery. Black embroidery on the clothes promises welfare and wellbeing to its recipient.

Dark blue – is a frequent color on Ukrainian embroidered clothing as our ancestors referred to it as a powerful talisman. The symbol of the sky and water (healing from illnesses and spiritual calmness). Embroidery with dark blue threads is most often seen on men’s embroidery and on children’s one as well, as our predecessors tried to protect children and men who were often in danger from illnesses and threats.

Green – is a female color on the Ukrainian embroidered shirts, it is associated with youth, beauty, carelessness and spring. It was believed that the green colour on embroidery saves in nature calamities.

Golden or yellow – this color is the symbol of honey and wheat, welfare, wellbeing, richness and joy. Embroidered clothes with golden or yellow ornaments will help to bring material well being into your life.

Multicolored ornaments – All colors mentioned above are considered to be traditional both for Ukrainian embroidery and accessories. Natural dyers today make it possible to create threads of versatile colors: grey-blue, light and dark-brown, from light blue to deep dark-blue, a rich palette of green and red tones. Multicolored ornaments in the embroidered towels and clothing are met all over Ukraine. Ukrainian artisans accomplish wonderful bright and unique patterns with the help of multicolored threads.