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Traditional towel (rushnik)
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Arina Yatsynyk
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CA 1820 (Creation)
Physical description area
Physical description
The towel was made of homespun cloth. This piece of cloth was also torn off, not cut off, since weaving did not exist yet. A cut was made on the cloth with a sharp stone, and then the fabric was torn by hand. At the same time, all the patterns on the towel were embroidered by hand.
35-40 cm wide and 3 to 5 meters long
Towels were always a poor color. This color was associated with purity, purification, sacredness, goodness, and, consequently, protection from everything bad. This gave the towel a shade of holiness, inspired a respectful and reverent attitude, made it a talisman and a symbol of good luck in any undertaking. The symbols for embroidery were carefully selected. Paired birds (doves or swans) symbolized love and happiness, the names of the newlyweds for the blessing of the family, flowers symbolized the health of future children.
In the old days, not a single important event in the life of a Russian person could take place without a towel: birth, christening, wedding, housewarming, funeral. They decorated the hut, hung them on the walls, above the doors and windows. They usually began embroidering towels after the Intercession of the Day (October 14), when all work in the field was completed, and women could do housework. In the evening, they spun, weaved, sewed or knitted for their entire family. The towel accompanied a person throughout his life, from birth to death, linking representatives of different generations of the same family into a single chain.
Due to the fact that this item is quite old, the towel shows visible fading of the fabric and signs of wear.
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Custodial history
In the old days, not a single important event in the life of a Russian person could take place without a towel: birth, christening, wedding, housewarming, funeral. They decorated the hut, hung them on the walls, above the doors and windows. They usually began embroidering towels after the Intercession of the Day (October 14), when all work in the field was completed, and women could do housework. In the evening, they spun, weaved, sewed or knitted for their entire family. The towel accompanied a person throughout his life, from birth to death, linking representatives of different generations of the same family into a single chain.
Scope and content
A towel is a torn piece of fabric that was decorated with embroidery and used in rituals and ceremonies. The towel was usually of a certain shape, 35-40 cm wide and 3 to 5 meters long.
This towel was hand embroidered by my ancestors.In particular cases, a towel can be characterized as an accessory.
Now the territory where my ancestors once lived is located in Ukraine.
Notes area
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At that time my ancestors lived in the Russian Empire.
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I do NOT consent to the future use of my material beyond the public Fashion History Project website and database.
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General note
I can’t say that this thing has had a great influence on the history of fashion, but it is a secret part of the history of my people, which has been with us through the centuries and will never cease to be relevant.
The history of its production and the meaning of many aspects of this item are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, I did not turn to the Internet source for additional information.
A towel is not just an everyday item, but a symbol that carries deep cultural and spiritual meanings. Its history goes back to ancient times, when towels were used in various ceremonies and rituals. Towels were made of linen and decorated with embroidery, which had a symbolic meaning. Ornaments on towels could include images of plants, animals and geometric patterns, each of which had its own meaning. For example, the tree of life symbolized the connection of generations, and birds - the soul and spiritual rebirth. Towels played an important role in various rituals: During wedding ceremonies, the towel was used to tie the hands of the groom and the bride, symbolizing their unity and union. Also, a towel was laid under the feet of the newlyweds so that their path would be smooth and happy. On religious holidays, such as Easter, towels were used to decorate Easter cakes and other festive dishes. In churches, towels were used to decorate icons and altars. During memorial ceremonies, towels were hung on grave crosses and used in rituals of commemoration of the deceased, expressing respect and memory of ancestors. For me, a towel is a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. It symbolizes the connection with ancestors, traditions and culture. The embroidery on the towel was often done by hand, and each line carried the warmth and care of the craftswoman. Today, towels continue to be used in rituals and holidays, preserving their symbolic significance. They have also become a popular element of decor, decorating homes and reminding us of the rich cultural heritage. A towel is not just a fabric, but a living symbol that unites generations and preserves the memory of our roots. It reminds us of the importance of traditions and cultural heritage that make our lives richer and deeper.
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Arina_Yatsynyk-traditional-towel.jpg
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image/jpeg