Rushnyky (singular rushnyk) are an ubiquitous embroidered Ukrainian piece. I’ve not really understood ever how to explain them simply. We also use the term rushnyk for towels (tea ones, bath ones, hand ones), but to call a rushnyk an embroidered towel somehow utterly understates the majesty, importance and use of this piece in Ukrainian tradition and Ukrainian decorative art.

Perhaps the best translation and also concept I’ve come across is of the rushyk as a ritual cloth. They are a central piece in a traditional welcome, presented to arriving guests on the hands of the hostess, also bearing bread and salt. They are present at proposals in the hands of both parties. Unmarried girls would aim to complete their wedding rushnyk using one needle, for good luck in their married lives. A broken needle part way through a rushnyk is not a good sign. The same welcoming tradition is used after a wedding ceremony, when parents greet the married couple as wife and husband for the first time. Rushnyky decorate the table that bears the korovai (Ukrainian wedding bread). They adorn icons or portraits in Ukrainian homes, museums, institutions.

What unites rushnyky from around Ukraine is their form – they are long, narrow pieces with complete symmetry or near symmetry at either end. Thereafter, the variations are myriad. The embroidery techniques will vary – as does all Ukrainian embroidery – from region to region or even village to village. Some rushnyky are plain down the middle, some have design. Some rusknyky are plain along the long edge, others have design. And, as Ukrainian embroidery is coded and carries meanings, specific motifs and colours can pertain to specific uses of rushnyky.

Whilst a little tricky to contextualize in the 21st century, I believe they ought to retain their place in our homes and in our lives. Whilst not the vogue, I believe they should also be part of our daily lives, not just our rituals, hanging on our walls, being part of our homes, giving us their reference to who we are and how.

FOR MY FRIEND’S WEDDING ~ ПОДРУЗІ ДО ШЛЮБУ

GENERATIONS RUSHNYK ~ ПОКІЛІННЯ РУШНИК

HUTSULKA KSENIA IN THE SUNRISE ~ ГУЦУЛКА КСЕНЯ НА СХОДІ СОНЦЯ

SONIA RUSHNYK ~ СОНЯ РУШНИК

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