Christmas tree of the Nizhny Novgorod region: the famous matryoshka dolls and Zykina’s khokhloma
One of the unique features of the Nizhny Novgorod region is the fact that almost all existing types of folk arts and crafts production are concentrated in its territory.
This includes woodworking and the world-famous khokhloma, which is produced at the Khokhloma Painting enterprise. It is placed on the Christmas tree as large round panels in red familiar colors.
There is also a non-traditional green variant — the so-called "Zykina’s khokhloma". The history of creation is connected with the name of the legendary Russian singer, performer of folk songs — Lyudmila Zykina. The singer asked the masters of the Semyonov factory to develop a special ornament that would "warm up the soul and sing".
The masters did their best and designed several fundamentally new ornaments, among which was an ornament with lilies of the valley. Lyudmila Georgievna liked the sketch with delicate spring flowers more than any other — it became the new khokhloma ornament.
The most vivid image of Russia — Semyonov matryoshkas — is also represented on the fir tree. Last year the craft turned only 100 years old, but it seems that matryoshka dolls have always been in Russia — so much so that they have become a symbol of the Russian world.
On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 Christmas trees, each of them representing a region of the country with its folk arts and crafts and traditions. And the 90th blue spruce symbolizes the RUSSIA EXPO itself. The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Here guests 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.
A ceremonial phaeton from the mid-19th century, decorated with gilded bronze and red velvet, took part more than once in the coronations of Russian emperors.
The Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Geography" is part of the original project of the National Centre RUSSIA.
