Tradicionalni ukrajinski rušnik (ručnik) je pravokutno platno od lana ili konoplje, ukrašeno vezom. U ukrajinskoj kulturi rušnik zauzima posebno mjesto. Vezeni rušnici koriste se u obredima, na blagdanima i u svakodnevnom životu. Simboliziraju vezu s obitelji, “kodiraju” dobre želje i služe kao zaštitni amuleti.

Vez na rušniku 

Rušnici su se u Ukrajini od davnina koristili za ukrašavanje doma i kao zaštita. U tu svrhu domaćice su ih vezle vlastitim rukama. Ovisno o regiji, boje i motivi veza mogli su se razlikovati. Najčešći simboli su: drvo života, beskonačna linija (neprekidni val), zvijezda, križ, geometrijski likovi, cvijeće, ptice. Od boja se najčešće koristila crvena, kao i crna, plava i, u konačnici, sve boje duge.

Tradicionalna upotreba rušnika

Vezeni rušnik u ukrajinskom domu mogao je ukrašavati ikone, portrete, zidove. Posebno su se vezli rušnici za obrede: zaruke, vjenčanje, krštenje i sprovod. Kruh, poput paljanitse i svadbenog kolača, koji je također neizostavan dio mnogih obreda, posluživao se na posebnom rušniku. Na vjenčanim rušnicima vezli su se labudovi i golubovi. Oni simboliziraju uzajamnu i vjernu ljubav. Rušnicima su se povezivali svatovi. Naravno, ručnici su se koristili i za svoju primarnu namjenu – za brisanje. Međutim, vez u tom slučaju mogao je biti prilično skroman.

Ukrajinski rušnik danas

U naše vrijeme, vezeni rušnici u Ukrajini ne gube svoju važnost. Koriste se u proslavi Božića i Masnici, na Uskrs. Posebno su važni za vjenčanja. Vjenčani rušnik čuva se kao obiteljsko blago. Također se koriste pri ispraćaju na posljednji počinak.

Na taj način, drevna i značajna tradicija za Ukrajinu ne samo da ne nestaje, već dobiva i novu popularnost. Suvremeni vezeni rušnik postaje originalan predmet interijera i može biti prekrasan dar za blagdane.

The Ukrainian Rushnyk (Embroidered Towel)

The traditional Ukrainian rushnyk is a rectangular piece of linen or hemp cloth adorned with embroidery. In Ukrainian culture, the rushnyk holds a special place. Embroidered rushnyky are used in rituals, on holidays, and in everyday life. They symbolize connection with family, “encode” good wishes, and serve as amulets.

Embroidery on the Rushnyk 

Rushnyky in Ukraine have long been used to decorate homes and as a protective charm. For this purpose, housewives embroidered them with their own hands. Depending on the region, the colors and motifs of the embroidery could vary. The most common symbols are: the tree of life, the meander (an uninterrupted wave), the star, the cross, geometric figures, flowers, and birds. The most frequently used colors were red, as well as black, blue, and eventually all the colors of the rainbow.

Traditional Uses of Rushnyky

An embroidered rushnyk in a Ukrainian home could decorate icons, portraits, and walls. Rushnyky were embroidered separately for rituals: matchmaking, weddings, christenings, and funerals. Bread, such as palyanytsia (hearth bread) and korovai (wedding bread), which is also an integral part of many rituals, was served on a special rushnyk. Swans and doves were embroidered on wedding rushnyky. They symbolize mutual and faithful love. Matchmakers were tied with rushnyky. Of course, rushnyky were also used for their direct purpose — for wiping. However, the embroidery in such cases could be quite modest.

The Ukrainian Rushnyk Today

In our time, embroidered rushnyky in Ukraine have not lost their relevance. They are used in the celebration of Christmas and Masnytsia, and on Easter. They are especially important for weddings. The wedding rushnyk is kept as a family heirloom. The deceased are also seen off on their final journey with the use of rushnyky.

Thus, the ancient and significant tradition for Ukraine not only does not fade away but is also gaining new popularity. The modern embroidered rushnyk is becoming a distinctive interior item and can be a wonderful gift for holidays.