Orenburg region Christmas tree decorated with delicate down shawl patterns
Small pieces of shawls, imitation balls of down, stylized spindle and spokes, and even angels in transparent balls dressed in down garments - all these elements of the world-famous folk craft of the region became the basis for the New Year decoration of the Orenburg region fir tree.
Down knitting appeared in the Orenburg province in the early XVIII century as a Russian Cossack craft, which was sometimes called the widow's craft. Most often the widows of deceased Cossacks who had to earn a living and feed their children were engaged in knitting shawls. In the XIX century a special breed of Orenburg goats with long, soft and thin down was bred for the trade.
The Orenburg down shawl received world recognition in 1857, when it was presented at the World Fair in Paris. The French, the trendsetters, declared the down shawl a fashion accessory, an addition to an outfit.
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