'Living Thread of Traditions' Performance Stuns Ivano-Frankivsk
In Ivano-Frankivsk, 15 women from the public organization 'Warrior's Wife' presented a captivating fashion show featuring authentic Ukrainian garments as part of the "Living Thread of Traditions" performance. This event highlighted treasured family heirlooms preserved through the hardships of war and brought to life the traditional "Prosyny" ritual, a customary ceremony in the Carpathian region that precedes weddings.
Participants and Their Stories
The group comprised members of the organization, a youth wing, military spouses, daughters of defenders, volunteers, and veterans. The collection showcased vintage family costumes and intricate embroidery from regions such as Prykarpattia, Donetsk, Lemkivshchyna, and central Ukraine, artfully blended with contemporary embroidered shirts.
The event opened with veteran Yuriy Nikoluk wearing a replica of Stepan Bandera's embroidered shirt.
“No one else owns this shirt. It was a special lot presented by volunteers. I fought hard to acquire it because it's an exact match to Bandera's original. Wearing it today fills me with pride and strength,” said Yuriy, who served on the fronts in Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Donetsk.
Valentyna Borulnyk represented the Lemko traditional attire. After her husband Viktor went to the front in 2022, Valentyna relocated to Ivano-Frankivsk from Selydove, a town under occupation for over two years.
“I'm overjoyed to wear genuine Ukrainian clothing today. I brought with me a Ukrainian flag and a necklace I purchased in Sloviansk,” she shared.
Maryana Protska showcased Boyko folk dress, generously lent by Ivanna Derun, sister of the fallen defender Volodymyr Katamay, known as "Bozhe." Ivanna’s husband continues to serve on the Donetsk front. Lesya Markovetska was deeply moved by a traditional Donetsk shirt and apron passed down from her great-grandmother, who safeguarded them through the 1930s famine.
“This is an ancient apron, vest, and finely embroidered shirt, all belonging to my great-grandmother. The shirt is adorned with her coral beads,” Maryana explained.
“These garments were left by people fleeing the war from Donetsk. They inherited them from their great-grandmother, who preserved these pieces during the 1930s famine,” Lesya added.
During the event, participants reenacted the "Prosyny" ceremony, symbolizing hospitality, acceptance, and community building.
“Through this clothing, we performed the 'Prosyny' ritual, a traditional pre-wedding custom in the Carpathians. Our presentation embodies hospitality, unity, and the creation of a shared space. It shows that East and West stand together, and that our culture and love remain invincible,” emphasized Olga Bobrykovych.
The 'Warrior's Wife' organization is dedicated to preserving Ukrainian heritage from past to present. As part of the international project "Towel of Unity – Towel of Victory," the Ukrainian community in Ireland participated in a ceremonial towel presentation held in Dublin. Additionally, in Vinnytsia, Independence Square hosted the exhibition "Heroes Wore These," displaying nearly 60 embroidered shirts of fallen Ukrainian defenders.
The "Living Thread of Traditions" event underscores the critical role of safeguarding Ukrainian culture amid ongoing conflict. By wearing regional costumes, participants honor their ancestors’ legacy while reinforcing national unity across geographic and social divides. Initiatives like this foster social cohesion and the development of a collective cultural identity, which is especially vital during times of war.