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Vyshyvanka as a Marker of the National Identity of Ukrainians Abroad

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The authors of the publication:
Rendiuk Teofil
p.:
17–27
UDC:
391:746.3](100=161.2):7.035.1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/mue2023.22.017
Bibliographic description:
Rendiuk, T. (2023) Vyshyvanka as a Marker of the National Identity of Ukrainians Abroad. Materials to Ukrainian Ethnology, 22 (25), 17–27.
Received:
06.12.2023
Recommended for publishing:
14.12.2023

Author

Rendiuk Teofil

a Doctor of History, a chief research fellow at the Ukrainian Ethnological Centre Department of M. Rylskyi Institute of Art Studies, Folkloristics and Ethnology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv, Ukraine).

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1361-0316

 

Vyshyvanka as a Marker of the National Identity of Ukrainians Abroad

 

Abstract

The article is dedicated to a new topic in Ukrainian and foreign historiography, namely, highlighting the significance and place of Ukrainian vyshyvanka in defining the national identity of tens of millions of Ukrainians abroad. On the background of formation and crystallization of the global Ukrainian ethnic space as a result of the mass emigration of Ukrainian residents to 150 foreign countries because of the full-scale phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war with its single Ukrainian linguistic universe, there is logically an increased scientific interest in studying and highlighting the role of Ukrainian vyshyvanka in the formation and preservation of the national identity of Ukrainians abroad, which explains the relevance of submitted study.

The special importance of vyshyvanka as an indicator of the national identity of Ukrainians abroad is investigated both for the classic diaspora and for the modern, new, wave of emigrants provoked by the current Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Particular emphasis is placed on the participation of children of Ukrainians abroad in numerous events on the occasion of World Vyshyvanka Day and calendar holidays, such as St. Nicholas, Christmas, Easter, etc. So, Ukrainian history, culture and holidays of our compatriots abroad cannot be imagined without Ukrainian vyshyvanka.

It is concluded on the base of the analysis of various factual material of Ukrainian and foreign origin, that vyshyvanka is a deep symbol of national identity, a sign of self-expression of our people, its ethnic brand for Ukrainians. Vyshyvanka is a national symbol uniting those who support their Motherland with their hearts and souls, respect rich traditions of the Ukrainian people and glorify priceless cultural heritage on the territory of our country and far beyond its borders. It transmits these national values from the older generations of Ukrainians to the young. This phenomenon ensures the continuity of Ukrainianness throughout the world.

 

Keywords

vyshyvanka, folk embroidery, Ukrainians abroad, symbol, amulet, baby clothes, children’s clothing, traditional costume, children’s subculture.

 

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