Rushnyk
A long embroidered ritual towel of Ukraine and Belarus, on which the couple stand at the wedding.
Also: rushnik, wedding towel
A rushnyk is a long embroidered cloth of Ukraine and Belarus, used in birth, wedding and funeral rites. At a wedding the couple may stand on a rushnyk before the priest, with the belief that whoever steps on it first will lead the household, and their hands may be tied with another. Bread and salt are carried on a rushnyk to welcome the couple. The embroidery uses patterns and colours, often red and black, with protective meanings. Bridal rushnyks are often made by the bride and her family, and kept for life.
Region: Europe