Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn. Ukrainian embroidery occupies an important place among the various branches of decorative arts.
Archaeological discoveries in Ukraine indicate that embroidery has existed there since prehistoric times. For centuries embroidery has been mostly used for the decoration of clothing, of homes and churches. Embroidered products, especially rushnyks, are greatly symbolic for a series of ceremonies and rituals of Ukraine. Speaking about clothing we should say that the primary object of clothing that was decorated with embroidery was vyshyvanka (traditional Ukrainian shirt). Different regions had different colors and ornaments used in embroidery. Later in 19th century this kind of handicraft was popular in commercial purposes to earn money, but after the World War II people had forgotten about embroidering. It became not so popular.
Nowadays Ukrainian craftswomen have resurrected this ancient art. Embroidery today is used not only to ornament rushnyks and vyshyvankas, but to create real pictures that can become the decoration in every house! For many women embroidery is not only a hobby, but the way to earn money. Modern handmade is greatly valued not only in Ukraine but abroad. Thousands of tourists visit Ukraine every year and think that the best souvenir is a traditional vyshyvanka, or a rushnyk, or a picture.
If you visit Ukraine someday, don’t forget to buy a piece of embroidering because it is not just beautiful, but can become a good amulet for you and your family.
Tasks 1.
Continue the sentence:
Embroidery is the handicraft of …
Embroidery in Ukraine has existed …
Many years ago embroidery has been mostly used for …
Different regions used different …
Embroidering has been forgotten after …
For many women embroidery is …
Tasks 2.
Answer the questions:
What is embroidery?
Can embroidery be called a modern art?
How was embroidery mostly used?
Did the popularity of embroidery change through the history?
Is embroidery popular in Ukraine now?
In what way can embroidery bring money?
Tasks 3.
Write down the key-words from the text.
Tasks 4.
Speak about the role of embroidering in your life.