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Rushnyky
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Introduction

Tree-of-life Motif

Ritual Uses

Variation

Glossary

Some Major Categories

"Rushnyk Maker"

 

Ukrainian Traditional Folklore

Rushnyky - Variants on Tree-of-Life

 

More modern modifications of the tree of life are bouquets of flowers, especially bouquets in a vase. This is perhaps the most common rushnyk type in the area where the collection was made. Recent innovations include the use of synthetic embroidery threads which produce rushnyky in vibrant colors.

The vase is probably some sort of intermediary between the tree of life and the bouquet and it is not considered a motif in its own right in the glossary below. It may become a separate motif with time.

       
 
  The tree of life is so important that, in addition to being the central motif on a towel type that is named after it, it can also be used as a minor motif in wedding towels and other towel types. When the tree of life is a minor motif, it is of smaller size and can be combined with birds as well as flowers.