Rushnyk

Made of linen or cotton it usually represents woven or embroidered designs, symbols and cryptograms of the ancient world.

[1] They have been used in sacred East Slavic rituals, religious services and ceremonial events such as weddings and funerals.

The rectangular shape of the fabric indicates a life's journey and the ornamentation captures the cultural ancestral memory of the region.

The act of spinning thread and the process of weaving linen embodies spiritual power dating back to the ancient deity Mokosh who is often represented in embroidery.

[4] The diamond-shaped design of the rushnyk is an ancient agricultural symbol, which means a sown field, or the sun, and expresses the idea of fertility and protection against evil.

[5] During a wedding ceremony, the bride and groom stand on a Rushnyk called a pidnozhnyk, which translates as step-on towel.

Rushnyk - Ukrainian embroidered and woven ritual cloth. Pereiaslav , Ukraine.
Belgorod rushniks, Central Russia
Rushniks play in Russia an important part in the Eastern Orthodox Church . It used to be very common to decorate the icons with Rushniks, this tradition is still common.
Ručnik pattern on the flag of Belarus
Rushnyk