The concept of this project lies in exploring the profound symbolism of Ukrainian embroidery, particularly its role in traditional attire.
For our ancestors, embroidery was never merely a decoration. It was a complex “coded lock,” where every stitch held meaning and every ornament possessed its own magical power. Each pattern was a program for the future: a shield against the “evil eye,” a prayer for a bountiful harvest, or a blessing for a happy destiny.
The embroidered shirt, or Vyshyvanka, was considered a “prayer without words.” Geometric diamonds symbolized a sown field and the fertility of the earth; the eight-pointed star (the Full Rozha) represented the sun and the harmony of the universe; and wavy lines stood for the infinity of life and the purifying power of water. In embroidering garments, artisans literally “wrote” a person’s fate, creating a warding amulet (oberig) that protected the most vulnerable areas: the neck, chest, and wrists.
Year 2021
Techniques: author’s technique: Rhizome rootwork
Materials: roots
