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Size: (12 x 16'). Original canvas by Brovkina, a modern Russian artist. Comes without frame. Ships within 6-10 business days. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

Size: approx. 4.8'' Metric: 12 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: matte Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll has a gentle matte finish. The set displays a beautiful girl by the name of Dunyasha (short for Evdokiya) with Easter bread, eggs and a candle in her hands. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: height: 8.4', diameter: 4.4' Metric: height: 21 cm, diameter: 11 cm Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 3-5 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details   This gorgeous 'Easter Icon' decorative egg is a 100% original Russian decorative egg. It was first handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional decorative egg artist. The egg is coated with 5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, giving it a luxurious glossy finish. Imported from Moscow, Russia. Would make a wonderful gift on Easter, Christmas or any other occasion.

Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or 'Butter Week,' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing 'Christ is risen.' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or 'Butter Week,' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing 'Christ is risen.' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 6.5'' Metric: 16.25 cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This doll - symbolizing a new life - will undoubtedly make a great Easter gift to anyone. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: EASTER In Russia the Easter Holiday is the most important holy festival of the year, with the tradition of exchange of eggs and three kisses as symbols of Resurrection. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eggs that are given at this time symbolize new life. Easter Observance Maslenitsa In old Russia, two months of every year was dedicated to the preparation and celebration of Easter. Like the Catholics, the Russians started the season with a festive celebration. Maslenitsa, or ''Butter Week,'' was eight fun days of stuffing, feasting, and carnival. Huge quantities of blini(small pancakes smothered in butter) were eaten at every meal. Shortly before Maslenitsa small cakes in the shape of larks were sold, representing the warmth, sky, and merrymaking that was soon to follow. Maslenitsa began eight weeks before Easter. Ice slides, booths, merry-go-rounds, jugglers, buffoons and mimes, ventriloquists, and swings made this week a carnival. There were sleigh processions, also. Businesses, schools, and public offices closed in the last days of Maslenitsa. The wealthy, decked in their finest jewels, went to dancing lunches and evening balls. Others started drinking in the morning, and were in high spirits all day. It was a festive week, similar to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The Great Fast After the carnival was the Great Fast, of Lent. It was observed by everyone. No animal or fowl meat, milk, eggs, butter, or sugar was allowed. Some alternatives were mushrooms, cabbage, oil, fish and potatoes, and coffee with milk of almonds. In the eighteenth century caviar was used extensively as a replacement for butter. At the start of Lent some people bought birds and set them free as a sign of hope that God would liberate them from their sins. Public amusement, dancing, and theatrical performances were forbidded, replaced by singing, concerts, and conservation. Palm Sunday, or Verbnoe Voskresene, was a happy break in the Great Fast. Great quantities of pussy willows were cut and brought in bundles to the cities. The Thursday before Palm Sunday saw cheerful and animated exhibitions of toys and flowers. In the Palm Market in St. Petersburg, every variety of branches, bare or decorated with paper flowers or leaves, were seen. Many booths were dedicated to wax angels. Eastern sherbets, Constantinople confections, icons, and even crosses made of gingerbread were also sold. This was a festival for the children. Toy and confections of sugar were given. Wealthy uncles and godfathers gave richly decorated palm branches, with gold angels, silver leaves, and small present-filled fruits on them, to nieces and godchildren. There were hugh markets of flowers and minature toy dealers. A great procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem. People carried branches and sang hymns. The priests blessed the branches. The next morning it was the universal custom for children to beat those who had not risen from their beds with the branches. Eggs played an important role in the great festival, both at the Palm Market and at Easter. A number of eggs were dyed red, which were then given to the priest and carried around for days after Easter. The egg symbolized life, hope, and the Resurrection. It was customary to give an egg to every acquaintance met. Games were played with eggs, and then hugh quantities were eaten and used in the traditional Easter bread and dessert. Many eggs were decorated, some with short remembrances of the Resurrection and others exquisitely decorated, such as the Ukrainian pisanky. Easter The Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Catholic Easter, depending on when Passover is. The Russian Easter falls one week after Passover. In old Russia, this was the holiday, the occasion of importance. Houses were scrubbed and furniture was repaired. Elaborate preparations were made in anticipation of the Easter feast. On Good Friday, the churches were dark, but their doors were kept continually open for those devout followers to enter and kiss the wounds of the Savior. Everyone fasted this last week, and the devout took no food at all on Wednesday and from Friday until Easter eve. Toward Saturday midnight the churches filled more and more; the court gathered in full dress while governors wore their gold embroidered uniforms. The vigil Mass was read slowly until midnight, when all the candles were lit and a joyous procession burst out of the church, singing and praising Khristos Voskrese. The church was brightly illuminated, bells rang, and choirs sang. After church, everyone went out to feast. There were lambs carved of butter, sugar flags and crosses, wide arrays of cold salads, hams, veal, roasted birds, and assorted cakes on tables in every household. The Easter bread, kulich was a traditional round and cylindrical bread decorated with frosting and the letters XB, representing ''Christ is risen.'' Another traditional dish, paskha, always accompanied the kulich and was a thick sweet creamy white spread made in a special triangular mold that also had the XB letters on it. The traditional Easter breakfast consisted of spreading paskha on the kulich, eating it with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt, and washed that down with a tumbler of cold vodka. This breakfast was usually blessed by the priests during the Easter service, where the priests would walk between a double row of plates.

Size: approx. 4'' Metric: 10 cm Consists of: 3 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. This nesting doll set would make a terrific gift to a baptized (christened) child or his/her parents. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: CHRISTENING The word ''christen'' comes from English culture and isn’t properly defined in the modern day. It obviously derives from the word ''Christ'', and means ''to bring to Christ''. It is usually used about infants rather than adults, implying infant baptism widely practised in the Russian Orthodox Church. Baptism is the rite whereby a person is made a member of the Christian church. From the Greek word baptizein (to dip), baptism refers specifically to a water rite. The sacrament of baptism, however, can be used for Christian initiation as a whole and can embrace both the water rite and the act of confirmation. The following table outlines the differences in the rites of Christian baptism in Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches. Eastern Orthodox Roman Catholic Protestant The baptismal service of the orthodox, or byzantine rites, like those of other historic rites, is a result of a number of short services charted to be spread over a period of time— originally Lent, leading to baptism at Easter—but now celebrated together, one after another. Its shape and content have changed little for at least 1,100 years. Orthodox baptism is used more often for the baptism of infants than for that of adults. The service is divided in halt, the order for the making of a catechumen and the order of holy baptism, and this division is still clearly retained in the service books, the tow halves being printed separately, each with its own title; the order of holy baptism which surrounds the hallowing of the baptismal water, the pre-baptismal anointing, and the baptism itself. In Rome around the sixth century adult baptisms became rare and the custom of baptizing infants became general. In 1969, a new order for the baptism of infants was announced. In 1972, the Vatican issued a document known as the Order for the Christian Initiation of Adults that contains the rites of the catechumenate and of adult baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. The faith of parents who play a central role in the service is the decisive reason in welcoming infants for baptism. The parents, with the community, gather and profess the faith of the church. Baptisms are celebrated normally on Sundays at mass or at some other time of the day. The celebrant welcomes the party and asks the first questions establishing the willingness of the parents to bring their child up in the Christian faith. He then signs the child on the forehead with cross and invites the parents and godparents to do likewise. Intercessions for the child, the family, and all baptized persons are sought. There is a single prayer of exorcism and the anointing of the breast with the oil of catechumens. The blessing of the water follows, then the parents’ renunciation of evil, and profession of faith with the gathered community. The act of baptism—either by immersion or a pouring on of water—follows, the anointing with chrism, and the giving of the white garment and candle. The service closes with blessings for the mother, the father, and the assembled congregation. Protestant churches differ widely in the form for initiation into the faith. Some practice infant baptism, not unlike the manner described in the Roman Catholic form. Baptism is directed to those adults who have professed repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Conversion must preface baptism. This personal response to the Holy Spirit is vital for membership in the body of Christ. The Protestant Christian people embodies those who have heard the gospel with faith and are within the fellowship of believers. The practice of adult baptism uses affusion, sprinkling of water over the head, or total immersion. Immersion is the going down into, or being buried beneath, and raised up from the water, proclaiming the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. What matters in Protestant baptism is not who is baptized, not how the rite is administered, but whether a personal response of the teachings and practices of the faith is achieved. Dedication of children is a common practice among Protestant faith groups that do not practice infant baptism. Dedication of children is a service at which a child receives a Christian name. Figure 1-5.—Rites of Christian baptism. 1-15

Size:   approx. 8' Metric:   20 cm Consists of:   7 pieces Finish:   glossy (lacquer) Availability:   ships within 5-10 business days Origin:   Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS:   As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. The set displays Russian girls in traditional national dress.   MORE INFO / RELATED STORY:   CLOTHES IN OLD RUSSIA Clothes can tell us about the people who wear them: about their class, their rank, their job, their country. Now one can see traditional Russian costumes in museums or during Russian village holidays. RussianLegacy.com is giving everyone an opportunity of seeing Russian costumes on our nesting dolls. Costumes were worn during important holidays: during Easter, during the Trinity day festivities and during weddings. Sewn over hundred years ago, the costumes have been kept as family heirlooms by a number of generations of villagers. The costume showed the differentiation between people of different social positions. Their costumes reveal their conception of the world and their way of life. The Russian costume is richly decorated and specific cloth and colors were used. Each region had its own kind of costume. The men's costumes include: a shirt with a slanted cut to the collar, narrow pants, belts, hats and boots. The women's costume include: a long-sleeved shirt, a sarafan, a short jacket (called 'dushegreya'), a kokoshnik (head-dress) and short boots. These costumes reveal their conception of the world and the beauty of morals. The costumes reflect the villagers' own taste in ornamentation, favorite colors, and particular way of wearing specific articles. There is a typical old Russian conception of beauty. The ideal of a beautiful woman was considered to be a tall, strong and stately woman with red cheeks, blue eyes and blonde hair. Wearing the village's costume, a woman reveals the social status and her age. Young married women wore mainly clothes with bright colors, and their costumes were adorned with a great number of beads, buttons and necklaces. Old women wore black, white and brown colors. Married women wore the scarf in such a way that completely covered the hair. People believed that a woman with uncovered hair can bring misfortune to her family. The young, unmarried women wore their scarves in such a way as to reveal the hair and braid. But every social class wore specific clothes. Rich people tried to show their wealth and prosperity through their clothes. Russian Clothes Vocabulary Kokoshnik - woman's head-dress in old Russia Shuba - a fur coat Sarafan - a long woman's dress covering feet and having the form of a high skirt with straps or sleeveless chemise worn over one with sleeves Sermyaga - a kind of rough woolen cloth used for peasant clothing Kosovorotka - a shirt with a narrow stand up collar and an off-center slit or button closure shifted to the left or the right Onuchi - long narrow strips of cloth (up to two meters in length) over which lapti (bastshows) were worn Ponyova - a kind of skirt made of three lengths of cloth and ornamented with embroidery, lace, spangles and beads Perednik - an apron that served to keep the clothes clean; on holidays it was used as a decoration Valenki - felt boots Kaftan - garment Tulup - sheepskin