What Wedding Towels Cost in Ukraine’s Embroidery Capital

Wedding Towels and Their Traditions in Reshetylivka

According to Главком: For Vyshyvanka Day, Nadiya Vakulenko-director of the All-Ukrainian Center for Embroidery and Carpet Weaving-shared insights on the creation of wedding towels in Reshetylivka, including their prices, crafting techniques, and associated customs. Located about 35 kilometers from Poltava, the center specializes in embroidery, particularly the production of rushnyky (decorative towels), which play a key role in Ukrainian wedding ceremonies. This town has long been recognized as a hub for the intricate 'white-on-white' embroidery style.

A standard Poltava-style wedding towel measures three meters in length, considered ideal for wedding rituals. According to Nadiya Vakulenko,

“We make it three meters long so the embroidered edges lie beautifully and the couple can stand on a clean field.”

The price varies depending on the technique used:

• Machine-embroidered towels cost approximately 10,000 Ukrainian hryvnias.
• Hand-embroidered towels range from 30,000 to 35,000 Ukrainian hryvnias.

The Poltava region is known for the 'merezhka' technique, often called a 'cut twig' pattern. Nadiya Vakulenko notes that

“Poltava is also known for white towels made using the merezhka technique.”

However, she advises against buying sheer towels for weddings, except possibly for holding bread and salt.

“For the couple to step onto the towel, you need a sturdy fabric with surface embroidery,” she adds.

Cultural Heritage of Reshetylivka

Reshetylivka is recognized as the capital of 'white-on-white' embroidery. This technique is so iconic that a Reshetylivka-style 'white-on-white' shirt has been worn by every president of Ukraine, as well as by Nikita Khrushchev. Additionally, this embroidered garment has been gifted to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and actress Sophia Loren. As a result, wedding towels made in Reshetylivka not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also form part of Ukraine’s rich cultural legacy.

Embroidery, especially the creation of wedding towels, plays a vital role in preserving Ukrainian traditions and cultural identity. As a center of embroidery, Reshetylivka continues to uphold these customs by offering high-quality items that have become a symbol of Ukrainian weddings. Thus, these towels do more than adorn the ceremony-they carry deep meaning tied to Ukraine’s history and culture.

As the significance of wedding towels continues to be celebrated, it's essential to recognize the broader impact of Reshetylivka’s embroidery techniques on global culture. For instance, the unique 'white-on-white' embroidery has not only become a staple in Ukrainian weddings but has also garnered international acclaim. To explore how this traditional craft has evolved into a recognized cultural brand, read more about Reshetylivka’s remarkable journey and its global recognition.