โจ"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform." - Diane Mariechild
๐ผ Day 25: TURQUOISE - Vinok aka Ukrainian Flower Wreath
๐ According to Wikipedia, a vinok is a traditional flower crown that held significant symbolic value & only specific flowers were used. It was traditionally worn by girls who were eligible for marriage.
๐ปThe vinok dates back to pre-Christian times when it was thought the headdress would protect girls from evil spirits. The ceremonial, religious value diminished, and was later replaced as a national character of girlhood.
๐ปIt varied in many regions of Ukraine - it could be made out of yarn, ribbon, coins, feathers, grasses, & of course flowers but these all had a symbolic meaning.
๐บ๐ฆ During a wedding ceremony, the vinok would be replaced with a ochipok. This is a cap often decorated with embroidery covering the entire head, that she would wear for the rest of her life.
๐๐ฝThe flower crowns are now worn by traditional Ukrainian dancers.