Keys

This is known as the key. Embroiderers in different regions of Ukraine referred to this motif in different ways;

- in Podillia they were called “hesyky"

-  in Dnipro regions – “klyuch” (keys) and elsewhere “vuzhi” (snakes).

The shape resembles a half swarga, or half of the figure Eight. Therefore, it is supposed to be seen as “the road to perfection”. The S-figure is a symbol of “heavy” earthly waters, the maternal moisture of the Earth that gives life to fields and crops. Shirts embroidered with “key” symbols were said to protect human energy from negative influences.

Researchers say that in ancient times keys also symbolised a snake, which is associated with water. The serpent was the the guardian of the Underworld and symbolised man’s essence, fertility and fertilisation. It often appeared as lightning in a dark rainy sky. In Podillia, women’s shirts were embroidered with rows of sigmas, which had the power to protect womanhood and maternity.