Celebrating World Vyshyvanka Day at USUST
On May 15, 2025, the university transformed into a true gallery of Ukrainian embroidery patterns. At various locations across USUST, students, faculty, and personnel gathered wearing vyshyvankas to jointly celebrate and uphold the traditions of a shared cultural heritage.
The festive day began with an address from Rector Kostiantyn Sukhyi, who, together with his family, recorded a video greeting for the university community.
At the SEI USUCT, the celebration started with a flash mob titled “Vyshyvanka is the language our soul speaks” on social media. Students and faculty shared photos in their vyshyvankas and concluded the event in the main building’s lobby. Acting Director of SEI USUCT, Olha Sverdlikovska, greeted the attendees and thanked them for preserving traditions. The concert program included Ukrainian songs, dance performances, and a video about regional features of vyshyvankas. Everyone took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
At the SEI DIIT, Vyshyvanka Day was marked by a roundtable discussion titled “Vyshyvanka – the soul of Ukraine,” organized by the Department of Philosophy and Ukrainian Studies. Students presented on the history of the holiday, embroidery techniques, and the symbolism of embroidered patterns. Specifically, Vladyslav Shevchenko spoke about the origin of the holiday, Veronika Safonova about the symbolism of vyshyvankas, and Tetiana Harkusha about contemporary fashion incorporating traditional Ukrainian attire elements.
At the SEI PSACEA, students and faculty also gathered for a festive photo in vyshyvankas. Institute Director Vladyslav Danishevskyi and Vice-Rector for Educational and Humanitarian Policy Halyna Yevsieieva congratulated everyone present, emphasizing that today the vyshyvanka has become not only a national symbol but also a sign of unity among Ukrainians in the fight for freedom.
More photos from the event can be found at the link.
A celebratory event for Vyshyvanka Day was also held at the USUST Scientific Library.
World Vyshyvanka Day is a holiday founded in 2006. Today, it is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, where Ukrainians wear vyshyvankas as a symbol of national identity and spiritual strength.
This year’s motto is “Protect from oblivion and preserve for descendants.” The vyshyvanka unites generations, reminding us of the importance of our culture and the strength of the nation.
We sincerely thank everyone who helped create the festive atmosphere!