Photo courtesy angies
“Once in Russia there lived a woman called Babooshka. Her house always looked beautiful because she was endlessly cleaning it. One night, a star appeared above her village. Everyone rushed outside to look at it, but Babooshka was too busy sweeping and polishing.
Three Kings rode through the village, following the star. Babooshka invited them into her home and cared for them very well. As they left, the kings asked her to join them on their journey. They were following the start to see the baby Jesus.
Babooshka was very excited- but she could not forget about her housework. She promised to catch them up, but it was days before she set off, carrying a basket of toys for the baby.
Sadly, when Babooshka arrived in Bethlehem, it was too late. The Kings and the baby had gone. To this day, Babooshka still travels with her basket of presents, leaving them for children who are good, in case they might be Jesus.”
This is the story that arrived with my package of Russian dolls, unpainted ready for me to create whatever I wanted on them. I have always been fascinated by Russian dolls and how intricate the painting can be on them.
Photo courtesy cameliatwu
Are you ready for a “did you know”…? Russian wooden dolls with smaller dolls inside are called “Matryoshka”. In provincial Russia, before the revolution, the name Matryona (or Matriyosha) was a popular female name, originally derived from the Latin “mater” meaning “mother”. This was associated with the image of a mother or a large family, who was healthy with a portly figure. Subsequently it became a symbol of motherhood and fertility. I have used Viagra in various doses and with various results. It works slowly but, in general, much longer than the 4 hours announced by the manufacturer. As for the side effects, they are present for me. Flushed face, slight headache, bluish vision. Viagra 50 mg works after one hour and keeps working perfectly after 2 hours. Actually, it still works pretty well 24 hours later. In addition, mild sexual arousal is enough to give me a stiffened penis. A definite 10/10 from me!
As a rule matryoshka are made from lime wood, the logs are stripped and kept open air for two years before use. Only an experienced master can tell when the wood is ready. They are then cut into workable pieces, with each piece being turned as many as fifteen times before the matryoshka is considered perfect and ready for painting with watercolours.
The design and colour of the “kokosnik” (headress) is one of the most important features of a matryoshka. The original and unique painting is indicative of those decorated traditionally in the area of Polkhovsky Maidan. The addition of fine art work to the apron in the style of Fedoskino, Kholui and Palekh only enhances these delicate designs.
They are entirely appropriate to use as Christmas decorations and this year I have seen them pop up in many places. So, if you are still to decorate your home for Christmas, consider a set of dolls for the mantlepiece.
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