New Year tree of the Astrakhan region: Caspian rose and chakan weaving
The
fir tree of the Astrakhan region focuses on the work of chakan weaving masters.
Chakan is the Astrakhan name for a reed plant of the cattail family. Products
made of chakan can be called exclusively Astrakhan.
The
technology of making products is very labor-intensive. Craftsmen collect chakan
themselves - they know the right places. One part of chakan is dried in the sun,
resulting in a bright golden hue of the plant, the other part is dried in the
shade, which preserves its natural green color.
Besides
chakan products, the New Year tree also displays carved wooden panels with
images of fish that live in the Astrakhan waters.
And, of course, the pearl of the Astrakhan delta - lotus or as it is also called "Caspian rose" - took its place of honor on the fir tree. In the Volga Delta there are the largest lotus fields of this flower in the world with hundreds of hectares of flowers.
Therefore, the Astrakhan lotus is rightfully considered one of the main symbols of the region and has long become a trademark of the region.
On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 New Year trees, each of them representing a region of the country. The RUSSIA EXPO is open from Tuesday through Sunday, Monday is a technical day. The best time to visit is in the mornings and weekdays, but the exposition is open to everyone on weekends as well. All expositions and events are free of charge.
During the all-Russian survey "What does the Motherland begin with?", people across the country are answering this question in their own way, opening up the innermost corners of their souls.
Souvenir nevalyashkas (traditional Russian roly-poly dolls), are attracting particular attention, with guests choosing them for their harmonious combination of Russian colour and traditional Chinese symbols.
Under the guidance of artisans, each guest made an unusual souvenir that can become either a personal talisman or a gift with a special story.
