Ukrainians continue to create symbols that unite, even far from home. In Münster, Germany, for the Independence Day of Ukraine, 21 craftswomen came together to create the “Towel of Invincibility” — a special talisman in which each embroidered a piece of their shared history. Book World Records writes about this.
On August 24, 2026, the “Towel of Invincibility” was officially registered as a German record by the Book of World Records. In this exclusive piece for Business Woman, we share how this initiative was born, what the embroidered talisman symbolizes, and how Ukrainian women in Germany transformed a tradition into a symbol of unity, resilience, and connection with Ukraine.
According to official measurements, the canvas spans 1.30 m in width and 3.60 m in length. The length of over 3.5 meters symbolizes the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s Independence. The record was recorded in the “Dimensions” category.
The initiative became a continuation of the “Stitches of Victory” project. The idea of creating the “Towel of Invincibility” emerged in the summer of 2025 by project author Halyna Kalyniuk and received support from Maria Sharko, head of the Ukrainian Language and Culture Union in Münster.
The rushnyk was not embroidered in a single location — it traveled from one craftswoman to another. Each of the 21 participants wove into her section a prayer for Ukraine’s defenders, Victory, and a just peace.
The foundation for the work was an officially purchased pattern from the English brand Vivsters, designed by Vivienne Powers. The necessary materials were sourced from Ukraine with the help of Ulyana Valovska from Kolomyia, while the finishing touches were handled by Nadiia Keibal from Kyiv. Both women currently reside in Germany and actively volunteer.
Lord Mayor of Münster Tilman Fuchs and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Münster Dr. Stefan Zekorn congratulated the participants on the event and record registration. On the same day, the “Towel of Invincibility” was solemnly blessed by Father Mykhailo Hutsuliak, priest of the St. Demetrius Parish of the UGCC in Münster.
Official certificates from the Book of World Records were awarded to the association “Ukrainische Sprache und Kultur in Münster e.V.”, its head Maria Sharko, project organizer Halyna Kalyniuk, and all the craftswomen who contributed to creating the embroidered talisman. The verification experts were Yuliia Tomkovyd, Hanna Yurchenko, and Iryna Dvorska.
The “Towel of Invincibility” became far more than just a record-breaking canvas. It stands as a symbol of Ukrainian tradition, female unity, and resilience, crafted by the hands of those who found themselves far from Ukraine yet continue to preserve its culture and pass it forward.
Craftswomen and participants in the creation of the “Towel of Invincibility”:
Ivanna Batryniuk, Khrystyna Bei, Svitlana Bieliaieva, Anna Vozniak, Zhanna Humeniuk, Ulyana Humeniuk, Olesia Dzheneviz, Halyna Kalyniuk (project organizer), Kateryna Kapatsyna, Nadiia Kovalenko, Dariia Koval, Kateryna Kulchytska, Naila Lavrovska, Svitlana Lytvynets, Nika Maslova, Nadiia Ovras, Kateryna Odariuk, Nataliia Osadchuk, Yana Polova, Alla Rozhko, Maiia Shlianina.
Read also: Ukraine Is United Everywhere: The 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Celebrated in Yerevan
Photo: Book World Records