Ulyanovsk region Christmas tree: snowflakes made of vines and the heritage of the ancient sea

The most popular crafts in the Ulyanovsk region are knitting, embroidery, beadwork. Toy making, wood carving and vine weaving are also widespread. These crafts became the basis for decorations of the New Year tree of the region.

Painted boards, snowflake-shaped panels, ornaments made in the technique of vine weaving are placed on the fir tree. There are also cute wicker baskets and charming painted horses galloping along the branches.

Photo: Press Office of the RUSSIA EXPO

There are also imitations of natural stones on the tree, which are mined only in the Ulyanovsk region. One of such minerals is simbircite, named so in honor of the city of Simbirsk.

Photo: Press Office of the RUSSIA EXPO

150 million years ago on the territory of the Ulyanovsk region there was an ancient sea inhabited by giants: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, pliosaurs and their cohabitants ammonites — ancient cephalopod mollusks. The stones are the result of mineral crystallization in the skeletons of dinosaurs and in the cavities of ammonite shells.

Photo: Press Office of the RUSSIA EXPO

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.

Photo: Press Office of the RUSSIA EXPO