On May 19, 2022 afternoon of a cultural celebration, Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Day known as the national embroidered shirt, and a concert of classical music was held in front of the Embassy of Ukraine in Seoul, South Korea. At the opening of the event, H.E Dmytro Ponomarenko Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea gave a welcoming speech remarking on a cultural day saying that Vyshyvanka, which is a traditional embroidered shirt or blouse, is the representation of Ukrainian cultural wealth, a symbol of pride and love of one’s roots. It has always been a symbol of political resistance to the invaders, a spiritual armor of Ukrainians, and a symbol of bravery, struggle, and victory.
“Every third Thursday in May, Ukrainians and their friends all over the world dress up with traditionally embroidered outfits to celebrate the Vyshyvanka Day, which falls on the 19th of May this year. It is celebrated on the third Thursday of May” explained by Yulia Kaplan, Third secretary at the embassy of Ukraine, to Pressenza Press.
According to the www.rubryka.com website citation that the embroidered shirt isn’t just Ukraine’s hallmark and its national relic, it’s a symbol of beauty and good health, happy destiny, and family memory. It’s an amulet and prayer without words. Ukrainian embroidered shirt or Vyshyvanka, along with Ukrainian pysanka, is one of the most eminent symbols of Ukrainian culture. And it’s beautiful, prestigious and modern!
In support of Ukrainians’ struggle against the current Russian invasion and peace to restore in their beloved country, a Korean middle school student, Se Eun Park, at Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS), initiated a classical music concert performance and was facilitated by Professor Bai, Il-Hwan, Professor of Cello, Department Chair, at Ewha Woman’s University in collaboration with the embassy. It was just mesmerizing watching the musical performances by Professor Bai, talented musicians, and YISS students. Afterward, during the concert I had a little conversation with Se Eun’s mom, Jamie, who told me that her daughter was has been feeling very devastating by the Ukraine war news, especially because she felt so sad for young women and small girls who were the victim of the conflicts. She wants to do something for them to send her heart; she’s been playing Cello for a long time, and truly believes that the power of music can heal people. In addition to offering her musical talent, student Se Eun, happily donated all her saving to make a little help in Ukraine who survived this hard time.
You can read the ambassador’s welcoming speech below;
I am very glad to welcome everyone here today.
Today is a very special day, we celebrate the World Vyshyvanka Day, a holiday that unites Ukrainians and the friends of Ukraine all around the world.
Vyshyvanka, which is a traditional embroidered shirt or blouse, is the representation of Ukrainian cultural wealth, a symbol of pride and love of one’s roots.
It has always been a symbol of political resistance to the invaders, a spiritual armor of Ukrainians, a symbol of bravery, struggle and victory.
Now when Russia is trying to destroy our state, our cultural heritage,to suppress our language and faith, it is very important to make each effort in preserving our traditions. I am very grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine in any possible way and shows solidarity with the Ukrainian people in this dark time. I want to thank the professors of Ewha Women’s University and the students of Yongsan International School of Seoul for arranging this concert of classical music in front of our Embassy, which will once again demonstrate strong support by the Korean people to Ukrainians in defending their freedom and values.
We will cherish the memory of this event and your good wishes for our country.
Please enjoy the wonderful performance.
Thank you very much. Kamsahamnida!
H.E .Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea
