Flax. Smolensk region

Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a plant that grows up to about 120 cm tall. Its flowers form an "umbrella," and after blooming, seed capsules appear in their place. Flax is a valuable agricultural crop used in the textile, chemical, and even food industries. For example, strong linen threads are made from its stems and leaves, and its seeds are pressed to produce oil that is extremely beneficial for health and beauty. Additionally, flax is used to make medicines, nutrient substrates, and components of technical mixtures. In recent years, specially bred varieties of flax have become a popular choice for landscape designers.

Due to the plant's self-pollinating nature, it is easy to cultivate. Flax appeared in Russia in the VIII century. It was used to weave linens and clothing, tents, banners, and sails; flax oil illuminated church lamps. It was not called the "provider" for nothing: "We live by flax, pay taxes with flax, celebrate weddings and holidays with flax." The Orthodox Church even established special "flax" holidays: Olenna-Lnyanitsa Day on June 3 (new style) and Paraskeva-Lnyanitsa Day on November 10 (new style).

Traditionally, the Smolensk region has been a leader in the flax industry. Flax plays a special role in the region's history. This amazing plant helped revive Smolensk after the two Patriotic Wars: 1812 and 1941–1945. Residential homes, schools, and kindergartens were rebuilt with "flax money."

In 1980, Smolensk saw the opening of the world's only "Smolensk Flax" museum-reserve. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the flax industry in the country declined. Thanks to the Smolensk region, it has been revived: the region built Russia's first new flax factory in history and significantly increased its sowing areas. A flax processing plant is also being constructed in the region, and the production of flax harvesting equipment will be launched. In recent years, flax fiber production in the region has grown almost fivefold.

Flax has been known since ancient times and has always been revered as a symbol of light, purity, and fidelity. High priests of Egypt could enter temples only in linen clothing, and pharaohs' mummies were wrapped in linen fabrics. Herodotus mentioned that among the gifts brought by one of the pharaohs to the temple of Athena in Rhodes, the most valuable gift was linen fabric.

Flax fibers are the strongest among natural fibers, stronger than wool and cotton. Flax also boasts hygienic and medicinal properties, high air and thermal conductivity. In folk medicine, flax seeds were used to treat coughs, bronchitis, sore throats, chronic gastritis, and bladder stones.

Incidentally, according to folk beliefs, if fog appeared in the morning on March 12 (25), it was believed that the year would be bountiful for flax. To ensure the omen came true, several handfuls of flax seeds were scattered around the yard for birds to feast on.

Our country has always been the world's largest producer and exporter of flax and flax products, thanks to its suitable climate and natural conditions.