November 10 is celebrated as the International Day of Embroiderers. It began to be celebrated recently – since 2013, but this date was not chosen by chance. It coincides with the Day of St. Paraskeva of Iconia, the great martyr of the 3rd century. All fans of embroidery consider Paraskeva Pyatnitsa to be the patroness of their work.

According to an ancient legend, the woman was born into a rich pious family. Her parents were very pious and most respected Friday as the day of the Lord’s sufferings, and they gave the child such a name – Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa. Usually, on Friday, Christian women did not spin, did not carry ashes, did not wash, and men did not plow the land, because it was considered a sin. Many ancient customs and traditions are connected with the name of Paraskeva. The holy martyr enjoyed the special love of the people. Icons with her image used to be in almost every home.

Paraskeva was perceived as the patroness of any housework, and the holiday enjoyed special respect among embroiderers. There was a tradition of bringing first-fruits of flax to the church and clinging to images. Also, items of women’s embroidery were thrown into the well as a donation to Paraskevi.