New Year tree of the Novgorod region: Krestetsky snowflakes and the ringing of Valdai bells

Ornaments and patterns of the unique "Krestetsky stitching" found their place in the decor and large snowflakes of the New Year fir tree at VDNH.

Krestetsky stitching originated in the Novgorod region in Krestetsky uyezd or district. Peasant women applied a special embroidery on linen cloth, turning it into openwork. The technique involves the preliminary pulling of threads from the fabric in one or two directions. Embroidery is created by "twisting" the threads and filling the grid created after "yanking" with various patterns.

At the beginning of the 20th century entire lace warehouses were opened in Krestsy. And the fame of Krestetsky craftswomen spread far beyond the region. However, men were also engaged in the craft. For instance, in the 30s one of the stitching artels of the Krestetsky district was staffed only by men.

Valdai bells, an obligatory attribute of Valdai, sound on the fir tree. The decorative panels depict decorations in the Old Russian style, typical of Novgorod.

On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by New Year fir trees, each 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.