Obukhiv «stitched» rushnyk

What the sources say

The Obukhiv stitched rushnyk is a two-sided embroidered cloth that usually measures three meters in length. It features relief embroidery created primarily with red threads. The dense stitching completely covers the fabric. Both women and men historically crafted these pieces in the city of Obukhiv and surrounding villages in the Kyiv region, including Tatsenky, Krasna Slobidka, Kozyn, and Stari Bezradychi.

The central ornament depicts a Tree of Life growing from a pot, sometimes flanked by paired birds. The width is finished with three or five tassels. The tradition was lost during the last century. Local volunteers, including Ольга Стахів, later revived the embroidery technique.

Historically, people used the cloths in wedding rituals and hung them in home icon corners. In December 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy added the tradition to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine. The Kyiv Regional Military Administration was required to submit a five-year safeguarding plan.