International Students Celebrate Vyshyvanka Day

Associate Professors of the Department of Language and General Theoretical Training Kateryna Heichenko and Olena Tsupikova, along with Senior Lecturers Svitlana Hnatenko, Yuliia Kravchenko, Liudmyla Ohirenko, Kateryna Starostenko, and Olha Andreieva, organized a flash mob titled “The Enchanting Beauty of the Vyshyvanka — a Reflection of the Ukrainian Nation” for international students on the occasion of World Vyshyvanka Day.

The students learned about the history of this Ukrainian cultural symbol, listened to a legend about the origin of the embroidered shirt, and became acquainted with the colors and symbols of the vyshyvanka.

Traditionally, on this day the lecturers of the department come to work wearing the elegant vyshyvanka, an important element of traditional Ukrainian attire. International students also joined the celebration of Vyshyvanka Day and gladly participated together with the teaching staff of the department by wearing Ukrainian national outfits. An engaging and meaningful dialogue took place between the students and the lecturers.

— What inspired you to wear vyshyvankas together with your lecturers on this special day celebrated around the world?

— It was our shared student initiative. We understand that Ukrainian culture is important, and we truly appreciate it.

— Dear students, what made this festive day especially memorable for you?

— We saw university students, lecturers, and citizens of Zaporizhzhia — both adults and children — wearing vyshyvankas in the streets. It looked very beautiful and symbolic.

When students asked how often the lecturers wear vyshyvankas, the mentors explained that it is elegant and comfortable clothing worn not only on special occasions. Ukrainians use it to emphasize their national identity and take pride in it.