The Ukrainian World Congress encourages all Ukrainians in the diaspora and friends of Ukraine to participate in the international Vyshyvanka Day by wearing Ukrainian embroidery (known in Ukrainian as a vyshyvanka) on 19 May 2016.
For Ukrainians, embroidery is not merely a work of art, but a spiritual protector and important component of national dress that testifies to one’s belonging to the Ukrainian nation and connection to its past, present and future. Today, embroidered clothing has gained new popularity as a symbol of unity for the many-million-strong Ukrainian community and an element that popularizes Ukraine around the world.
Vyshyvanka Day was first launched in Ukraine 10 years ago, and in 2014 it became an international event captivating Ukrainians as well as participants of different nationalities in almost 50 countries.
“We call upon all Ukrainians in the diaspora and friends of Ukraine to wear a vyshyvanka on Thursday, 19 May 2016 to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people in Ukraine,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
