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Abstract
Bulgarian embroidery is one of the smallest, yet one of the most meaningful, cultural symbols that could be observed in the country. This research paper aims to prove that the Bulgarian shevitsa presents the strong believes in the sacred powers of God, how much the Bulgarians value the role of the family, fertility of the women, and the strictly defined social norms among the genders. In order to achieve this goal, the paper first will look into the history of the shevitsi, starting from the ancient times, and how they have been later implemented in the clothes of the Bulgarian ancestors. In addition, the paper is examining the different functions the traditional embroideries have depending on the place they occupy on the garment, their color, form, as well as who wears it. With the purpose of being as clear as possible, the aforementioned characteristics of the embroidery are observed in a specific example – a shevitsa called “The Vine”. In conclusion, the paper is showing what meaning the shevitsa has for the Bulgarian nation, what values, believes, and worldviews does it carry, and lastly, but not the least, why is it considered as one of the most meaningful cultural symbols for Bulgarians.
