“The war has destroyed many cultural artifacts, eliminated and displaced millions of Ukrainians.”

By Polina Krasnova

Polina Krasnova

Among Lightpost Winery’s blossoming trees the afternoon of May 22, a nonprofit called Art of Ukraine welcomed more than 350 visitors of all nationalities, races and ages to celebrate the national garment of Ukraine — the intricately embroidered vyshyvanka (pronounced veh-sheh-VAH-nkah) shirt. Seven handcrafted pieces brought over from western Ukraine were on display. Visitors also enjoyed viewing the best of Ukrainian folk art — traditional embroidery, woodwork, fresh flower weaving, linen talisman dolls and decorative painting — as well as enjoying Ukrainian cuisine.

Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Fest was a day for appreciation, education, and, of course, community building through art. A universal medium that effortlessly breaks down barriers, art connects people on a level beyond their immediate community and habits. This event was created to do just that — invite the possibility of a conscious and peaceful community grounded in appreciation for ancient art and love for nature, family and the cosmos.

One of Art of Ukraine’s missions is to show people that when they help Ukraine, they are not just helping an abstract country in need, they are protecting an incredibly rich and profound, ancient culture — an important piece of our shared history on this planet. And a celebration of Ukraine’s national garment was our way to give back, educate and, hopefully, delight our supporters with beauty, deep meaning and the fascinating history of vyshyvanka.

Vyshyvanka is an embroidered piece of clothing traditionally worn by men, women and children as part of casual dress or as a special festive garment. To Ukrainians, however, vyshyvanka is not just an item of clothing. It serves as a symbol that represents and protects their origin and national identity. It is their history, and the ancient art of their ancestors.

Beginning in the middle ages, these embroidered shirts were worn daily by everyone, serving as everyday work clothing. There were also very special-purpose garments that were deeply treasured. A wedding vyshyvanka, for example, was only worn once in a lifetime. After the wedding ceremony it was put away in a chest and kept as a meaningful and powerful object that protected the entire family and brought them good fortune.

Traditionally, vyshyvanka has a metaphysical meaning, it represents a protective layer, able to ward off evil and illness. Often before beginning the embroidery the craftswomen would fast, pray and ceremonially wash their hands. The prayer and song gave them power while embroidering. Today, it is believed that generally staying on a positive wavelength while creating a piece will infuse it with good energies, happiness, love and strength.

In the 20th century, it became customary to wear a vyshyvanka separately from full national dress. Instead it was combined with jackets, casual pants and skirts. Many academics, artists and scientists wore their vyshyvankas with suit jackets to make a statement under the Soviet rule. This great tradition continues today as a way to show appreciation of Ukraine and one’s patriotic spirit.

Vyshyvanka embroidery is the best example of Ukraine’s national folk art. Whether you believe a garment could carry magical properties, or simply marvel at its intricacy, this age-old tradition of intentional artistry is at the heart of Ukrainian national identity.

The war has destroyed many cultural artifacts, eliminated and displaced millions of Ukrainians. Several generations to come will be unable to maintain artistic and cultural practices for an undetermined amount of time. At Art of Ukraine, we want to ensure whatever happens to this beautiful country in the coming decades, the world hears Ukraine’s fascinating tale — through its art.

We host fundraising events, exhibits and folk craft workshops to showcase the depth of Ukrainian cultural heritage. Art of Ukraine supports several different causes, including providing medicine for the disabled, elderly and wounded in western Ukraine (Ivano-Frankivsk city and villages in the region) and southern Ukraine (Mykolaiv region). We also specialize in providing rehabilitation and art therapy for children currently displaced within Ukraine. We work with schools and lyceums in western Ukraine housing refugees to help connect displaced children with their cultural heritage and help relieve some of the trauma caused by war.

Deep love and respect for family, nature and the Earth are the values of Ukrainian art. Those are the values of the wonderful South Valley community, too. These same values continue to strengthen in our communities across America. And that’s our hope . . . a hope that at what seems to be humanity’s darkest hour, when thinking as separate nations clearly no longer serves us, instead we could be uniting and acting as a planetary species. And art makes that possible.

Bay Area resident Polina Krasnova is the founder of the nonprofit Art of Ukraine. For more information, visit www.artofukraine.org.