The Russians are fascinated by old Christmas decorations and are willing to pay thousands of dollars for them. These decorations were not made by well-known designers or with luxury materials. However, they have their own past and evoke nostalgia behind the past era.
Russian vacation spirit
Christmas celebrations in Russia last a week and a half. Most people are on vacation at the time and celebrate in different ways.
Orthodox Christmas ( celebrated January 7th) is simply a spiritual vacation celebrated in churches with conventional services and an all-night vigil.
On regular vacation days, Russians traditionally visit friends, organize parties or travel. Many go to Moscow, and Moscow seeks peace in the close suburbs.
Another vacation tradition is participation in fairs, ice rinks, snowball battles and another winter attractions. They are usually organised by local authorities and large companies.
However, Sylvester in Russia is primarily a household event. He cares about home, household and close friends. Russian fresh Year's Eve traditions are rather simple and unpretentious. These include preparing conventional salads (such as "Mimos", "Track Under the Fur" and "Olivier"), writing wishes on a part of paper, burning it, pouring ash into a glass of champagne and drinking it erstwhile the clock strikes midnight.
For a long time these traditions remained unchanged. Recently, however, a fresh trend has emerged: Christmas decorations from the times of the USSR. Families, young enthusiasts, and collectors search ornaments that are 50, 70, or even 100 years old. They search everywhere: in the homes of older relatives, in antique shops and antique shops, and online.
How Christmas trees got to Russia
In Russia, the tradition of celebrating the fresh Year on 31 December began only in 1699, under the decree of Peter the Great. Earlier on September 1, it marked the beginning of the fresh year; there were no solemn celebrations – usually harvests were recorded and fresh laws were issued.
However, Peter the large introduced a fresh date of celebration, as well as fresh traditions. He ordered homes and farms to be decorated with fir branches, which were placed on roofs and in doors. Later, the twigs above the door became a symbol of the inn in the countryside.
It was only in the 19th century that Christmas trees were hanged and adorned, and this tradition was started by the household of Nicholas I. In time, Christmas trees went to houses of aristocrats and merchants, as well as public squares. Christmas trees were held until December 31, but were considered Christmas trees due to the fact that they were decorated with decorations specified as angels and Bethlehem Star.
Initially children's treats – apples, nuts and candy were hung on Christmas trees. Later, treats were hidden in intricately made ornaments – this is how these colorful ornaments were born.
At first the ornaments were imported and afforded only the wealthy. By the end of the 19th century, however, they began to produce them in Russia, especially in the vicinity of the Klin, where there were glass blowing workshops. These workshops sold colored glass baubles, icicles, and figures of angels, birds, and animals.
The Red Army soldiers replaced the angels.
By the time of the 1917 Revolution, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees had taken root, although it was inactive seen as “burge”. The spiritual meaning of the tree besides remained strong. This prompted Bolsheviks who sought to root out Christian traditions, to limit the production of ornaments and the actual ban on Christmas trees and their decorations.
However, the cultural war led by the communists did not last long. In the 1930s, the ornaments returned, though with any change, reflecting fresh "state values". alternatively of angels and the Bethlehem Star, russian citizens were offered ornaments symbolizing national unity and state programs: pioneer figures, Red Army soldiers, workers, blimps and tractors – as well as figures of country leaders.
Popular magazines published patterns of ornaments made by hand. Of course, they were besides patriotic.
During planet War II, the manufacture operated exclusively for military purposes, so ornaments were made from available materials specified as cotton, cardboard and foil. Hospitals utilized empty vials after medicines – they were painted, wires were fixed, and patients were hanged to enjoy them.
The factories worked on remains – wires, metallic chips and defective parts – for ornaments specified as snowflakes, flowers and five-point red stars.
After the war the production of ornaments was resumed. The authorities ceased to search to make a "new russian man" and began to soften regulations on interior aesthetics. This led to the creation of a recognizable kind of russian ornaments in the 1950s. 20th century, with bright, colorful baubles, pine cones, icicles and fairy tale characters.
Why russian kind inactive divides Russians
Today the Russians do not have a unanimous opinion on russian aesthetics. any like monumental brutal architecture, Komsomolt uniforms and russian cars. Even the dreary russian buildings of the large album have their fans who fondly call them "panels".
The images of the “Soviet Future” stay peculiarly attractive; mosaics depicting cosmonauts and posters with arrogant workers and soldiers inactive inspire people.
However, everyday life in times of communism is commonly seen as obsolete. russian interiors are frequently criticized for the impotent design, commonly called "grandmother renovation".
The objects of everyday usage in the USSR are only curious in collectors and museums. However, there is 1 notable exception: Christmas decorations. They are appreciated not only by young and old – they have become a actual trend.
Only this year the request for specified ornaments increased by 80%. The prices of uncommon sets, or even single ornaments, scope as much as 1.5 million rubles (19 000 dollars). Not only antiques, but fashionists besides proudly present their historical Christmas decorations.
And it's not just nostalgia.
Fashion, money, family
The vintage and retro trends gain popularity throughout Russia. Although clothing, furniture, and household appliances from the USSR can not appeal to everyone, Christmas decorations offer a taste of past without any inconvenience. These are not contemporary copies, but tangible elements of the past that can be appreciated and utilized according to destiny.
The increasing popularity of russian ornaments is besides due to their rarity. Their supply is limited: many ornaments have been broken long ago and others lie forgotten in dusty boxes in the attics and basements. The first production was never mass, and much of these ornaments were hand-made, making them truly unique. Experts already admit russian Christmas decorations as valuable antiques.
Additionally, there has been a change in the approach to the russian past. After the collapse of the USSR, discussions about life in communism – whether in film, media or literature – became powerfully politicized. any idealized this era while others portrayed it as dystopia. Debates became fierce, even among those who simply appreciated russian aesthetics.
In time, even Russians with strong views of the USSR became bored with emotional arguments. In fresh years, attention has shifted from glorifying or condemning russian citizens to presenting their actual lives. Among all the inconveniences and shortcomings of russian life, it surely has a certain charm.
Finally, these ornaments combine generations. Not all household has household memorabilia that survived the 1990s turmoil, but old ornaments can both evoke pleasant memories in older relatives and delight children.
Recently, the Russians started spending more time with their families. Despite increasing individualism, there is simply a desire for a closer relation with loved ones. This makes the thought of including vintage ornaments in the fresh Year's household celebration even more attractive.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/russia/630011-grandmas-toys-are-cool-again/
