New Year tree of the Komi Republic: magic belt and reindeer races
In the
decoration of the fir tree the focus is on products provided by the craftsmen
of the Republic with traditional ornaments of the Komi peoples. These are
knitted items and dolls with traditional ornaments, musical instruments and a
real belt with symbolic signs.
The belt for the Komi is not just an element of clothing. It served as an amulet from human evil eye, from all sorts of evil spirits, helped on a long journey, guarded in battle.
Until recently, none of the Komi went out of the house without a belt, in some villages this tradition is preserved to this day.
The theme of reindeer sled races also found its place in the New Year tree. In Vorkuta, reindeer races are held right on the streets of the city. The fir tree is also decorated with a ball with the mark of the Arctic Circle - the 67th parallel.
On the Main Alley of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 New Year 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.
