Ukrainian President and First Lady in vyshyvankas: Secret meaning of their clothing
Volodymyr and Olena Zelenska (photo: instagram.com/zelenskyy_official)
On May 15, Ukraine celebrates both Vyshyvanka Day and Family Day. As is tradition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska shared a photo wearing Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas). Here's a closer look at the vyshyvankas they chose for the occasion.
"Today is about something truly important – our roots, our family. Meanings that are united by a single date this year. Every pattern in a Ukrainian vyshyvanka holds the strength of our lineage, our traditions, our history. The strength of many people, thanks to whom all of us are alive. A bond passed down through generations – one we must cherish and value. We will definitely preserve and pass on what is Ukrainian, what is ours, to the next generations," the couple wrote in a joint post.
In the photo, the president is wearing a black embroidered shirt, and the First Lady is in white.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Vyshyvanka
Designer Elvira Hasanova revealed the meaning behind the president’s embroidered shirt.
"The President of Ukraine is wearing a Damirli vyshyvanka," she wrote on her Instagram page.
Elvira Hasanova about Zelenskyy's vyshyvanka (photo: instagram.com/gasanova_elvira)
The shirt features a geometric pattern of red berries stylized as a viburnum branch in the center.
"The viburnum is a symbol of the blood shed for Ukraine, a symbol of resilience, national identity, and eternal rebirth," emphasized Hasanova.
What does Zelenskyy's vyshyvanka look like? (photo: instagram.com/gasanova_elvira)
The white outline around the berries represents protection and light guarding the roots. According to the designer, the pattern resembles a honeycomb —a symbol of community strength, order, endurance, and unity.
"Black isn’t about mourning. It’s about dignity in hard times, the focus of will, the silence before a decisive step," she noted.
"This vyshyvanka is not just clothing. It’s armor. It’s about someone who doesn’t shout but stands," Hasanova concluded.
Elvira Hasanova spoke about Zelenskyy's vyshyvanka (photo: instagram.com/gasanova_elvira)
Olena Zelenska's Vyshyvanka
The First Lady wore a shirt from the Ukrainian brand Etnodim, embroidered in the traditional Poltava style. The cost of this shirt is about $240.
"In the chosen pattern, we see a common ornament: a grid of diamonds, each containing a small tree. The flower motif atop the tree echoes the star motif embroidered on the chest, creating a perfect and cohesive composition," according to the brand’s website.
Vyshyvanka like Olena Zelenska's one (photo: etnodim.ua)
Vyshyvanka Day was first celebrated in 2006 at Chernivtsi National University at the initiative of student Lesia Voroniuk. She suggested that her classmates all wear vyshyvankas one day, and this idea eventually grew into a national and global celebration, especially after support from the diaspora in 2010.
The holiday is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of May. Initiators deliberately chose a weekday to emphasize that the vyshyvanka is a part of Ukrainians’ everyday lives.
You may be interested in:
- How Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s vyshyvankas have evolved
- 10 Ukrainian vyshyvanka brands that turned tradition into a trend
- How the meaning of the vyshyvanka changed during the war
Sources: Official Instagram of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Instagram of Elvira Hasanova, Etnodim website.
