Vyshyvanka Day, 21 May 2009

On this Thursday a great many people go to work in an embroidered shirt, and an ordinary office turns into something considerably more interesting to look at.

The pattern varies by region, and people will tell you where theirs is from with a precision that suggests the question comes up often.

What I find striking is that the shirts are worn rather than displayed. They come out of a wardrobe, go to an office and go back, which is the difference between a living custom and a museum piece.

Happy Vyshyvanka Day to everyone wearing one today.