Great Ukrainian ruschnyk (towel) from Ukraine. Covered with embroidery, done in traditional design using red and black colors. Never used. Use of the Rushnyk in Ukraine is very traditional, important and used in many different aspects of life – wedding ceremony, the icons are crosses in rushnyky, the embroidered towel was always symbol of hospitality, bread and salt were offered to respected guests on it, also accompanied people on their last journey. When a new house was built they lifted the beam on towels and then gave the towels to the builder as a present life. When each girl was preparing dowry for herself she embroidered a lot of decorative towels, blouses and shirts because bride's diligence was measured by the quantity, beauty and the complexity of the patterns of the towels. A mothers gave a towel to her son before he set out on a long journey to ensure happiness in his new life. The towel was treasured as a memory of the native land, home and of childhood.