Symbol of Solidarity: Ukraine’s Vyshyvanka Day Celebrated at OSCE Meeting
Diplomats from OSCE member states gathered at the Permanent Council in Vienna dressed in traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, known as “vyshyvankas”, and adorned with blue-and-yellow symbols in a powerful show of solidarity with Ukraine and its struggle to defend its sovereignty and cultural identity amid Russian aggression.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukrinform.
During the session, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Yuriy Vitrenko, expressed his gratitude for the gesture: “It’s moving and inspiring to see so many colleagues wearing vyshyvankas or Ukrainian colors. Celebrating someone’s identity and our shared diversity is one of the greatest freedoms we have. At the same time, this is a reflection of our collective resilience in defending the principles and values we stand for.”
Vitrenko underscored that such symbolic acts send a clear message against the aggressor’s failed attempts to erase Ukrainian identity. He reminded attendees of the harsh reality faced by Ukrainians living under occupation, where expressing national identity could result in persecution, torture, or even death. “This is also a solemn reminder of the destruction of our cultural heritage, burned books, looted museums, stolen artifacts, and of Moscow’s century-long attempts to suppress and assimilate the Ukrainian people.”
The Finnish Ambassador to the OSCE, Vesa Häkkinen, who currently chairs the Council, also attended in a vyshyvanka. In a statement, he said: “Today, Ukrainians and their friends celebrate Vyshyvanka Day – an emblem of Ukrainian identity and resilience. Finland reaffirms its support for efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the Helsinki Final Act.”
Vyshyvanka Day has become a cherished cultural tradition celebrated both in Ukraine and by Ukrainian communities worldwide. The initiative began in 2006 with a group of students from the Faculty of History, Political Science, and International Relations at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. Their idea of dedicating one day a year to proudly wearing the traditional embroidered shirt has since evolved into a powerful symbol of unity, national pride, and cultural resilience.
This year’s commemoration at the OSCE not only highlighted the international recognition of Ukrainian heritage but also underscored the deeper meaning of cultural expression in times of war.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukrainian craftsmen have recreated 12 folk historical costumes from six regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia and will show them to the world to prevent the enemy from appropriating cultural heritage.