Kirov Christmas tree: the hidden meaning of the Dymkovo toy and the secrets of the Kukarka lace makers
The Kirov
region carefully preserves its folk art crafts. Amazing Dymkovo toys and
delicate Kukarka laces decorated the Christmas tree of the region on the main
avenue of the VDNH.
The history
of Dymkovo toys began in the 16th century in the village of Dymkovo near
Vyatka. The folk craft emerged thanks to the spring festival of the Vyatka
whistler. For festivities, women sculpted whistles in the shape of different
animals and painted them in bright colors. The toy got its name because of the
way it was made - when the figurine was fired in the kiln, white smoke would
waft over the house.
Each
figurine has a secret meaning. If you whistle into a bear - you will become
strong, into a pig - you will get a rich harvest, into a cow - there will be
prosperity in the house, into a ram - you will have a happy life. Dymkovo toy
is a symbol of the Kirov region and everyone who comes to visit takes this
souvenir with them.
A Vyatka
matryoshka doll, panels and boards with Vyatka house painting, which was
recently included in the intangible cultural heritage of the Kirov region, also
settled on the New Year tree of the region. Stylized snowflakes are made in the
ornaments of the Kirov or Kukarka lace craft, which is located in Sovetsk (the
former Kukarka sloboda of the Vyatka province).
On the main avenue of VDNH visitors are greeted by 89 fir trees, each of them representing a region of the country with its folk arts and crafts and traditions. And the 90th blue spruce represents the RUSSIA EXPO itself.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Throughout the entire time of the exposition, guests can expect cultural and entertainment events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, 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.
