Arkhangelsk Christmas tree: boxes with secrets and a bird of happiness
Warm and
home-like cozy coloring distinguishes the Christmas tree of the northern
Pomorye. On the New Year tree there is a whole flock of chip birds in white and
red colors. For the residents of the region it is not just a souvenir. It is a
symbol of sun and happiness.
Such birds
used to hang in almost every peasant house, taking an honorable place in the
red corner, above the dining table, opposite the stove or above a child's
cradle. According to beliefs, the bird brings happiness and prosperity to the
house.
The red horse
decorates boxes with Mezen painting, which are placed directly in the branches
of the fir tree. In popular culture, the horse was also identified with the Sun
and considered a symbol of prosperity. It is one of the most important
characters of northern traditions and the main element of Mezen painting.
Okhlupen or a horse on the roof of northern houses is an amulet of the house
and family.
All this
beauty is created by the hands of craftsmen of the enterprise Belomorskie Uzory
(Belomorsk Patterns), which traces its history back to 1968, carefully
preserving and developing traditional folk crafts of the Arkhangelsk region:
carving, wood painting, decorative embroidery, hand weaving and knitting,
Kargopol clay toys.
On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 fir trees, each of them representing a region of the country with its folk arts, crafts and traditions. And the 90th blue spruce symbolizes the RUSSIA EXPO itself. The trees came from the Moscow region, where they have been carefully cultivated for many years. After the exposition, the spruces will be planted near VDNH.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Here guests of the event are welcomed with cultural and entertainment events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors.
The National Centre RUSSIA exposition "See Yugra — Fall in Love with Russia!" in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra welcomed its 50,000th visitor.
Footwear can be more than part of an outfit: it can tell the story of a region, its culture and the skill of its craftspeople.
