Kyiv Polytechnic celebrates Vyshyvanka Day
21 May is a special day, filled with warmth, unity and Ukrainian indomitable spirit. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vyshyvanka (Embroidered Shirt) Day, a celebration that has long become a cherished tradition at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Every year on this occasion, the university campus is abuzz with people donning embroidered shirts, colourful patterns, warm greetings, smiles, and a special atmosphere that unites the generations of Kyiv Polytechnic students and staff.
Keeping up the tradition, the university staged events intended to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture and national values.
One of the symbolic acts was the planting of viburnum shrubs near the Kyiv Polytechnic Library. Incidentally, there is an old English saying that those who plant a tree (Ed. – or a shrub) knowing they will not enjoy its shade are public benefactors.
A charity fair in support of Ukrainian heroic defenders, organised by university librarians, gathered many visitors with Ukrainian and Japanese delicacies prepared by the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Ukraine-Japan Centre, as well as other items.
The celebration also featured a performance by bandura (Ukrainian stringed instrument of the lute class) players from the Centre for Culture and Arts at Kyiv Polytechnic.
Another highlight of the day was the opening of the exhibition “Vyshyvanka: Traditions of Family, People, Country,” accompanied by a lecture delivered by local lore expert Oksana Salan.
The vyshyvanka is more than a mere piece of ethnic Ukrainian clothing. It carries the memory of generations, flaunting as a symbol of Ukrainian national identity, strength and resilience.
By wearing vyshyvankas, Ukrainians remind themselves and the world that the Ukrainian nation has deep roots, unbending spirit, and its unique genetic code that can never be erased or destroyed.
Happy Vyshyvanka Days!
