Russian Christmas Ornaments

SHOP for Russian Ornaments

Russian Christmas ornaments are hand crafted in small villages and towns in central Russia. These villages are centers of traditional Russian folk arts and many of the residents are professional or part time artists and crafters. Sergiev Posad, an ancient town near Moscow, is one of the main centers of Russian folk art and the Christmas decorations and carved Santa figures from this village come in a wide variety of designs and styles.

Most of the Russian ornaments are made of wood and are either carved or turned on a lathe by a wood craft specialist. Each ornament is then hand painted by another skilled artist. The most common wood used for Christmas ornaments and other Russian folk arts is European linden wood. Some ornaments are produced in small art cooperatives, while others are produced in family homes by part-time or professional artists.

There are many themes for Russian ornaments and decorations. The most popular designs are based on the Russian version of Santa Claus who is called "Grandfather Frost" (or Father Frost) and his granddaughter the Snowmaiden. These two characters from Russian folklore have traditionally brought small gifts and candy to the children on New Year's Eve, the big holiday celebration during the Communist era in Russia. Santa Claus, based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, and is almost exclusively dressed in the traditional red robes of a Bishop. Grandfather Frost, who is the spirit of Winter, may wear red, blue, green, or even purple robes. The Snowmaiden is usually dressed in a blue gown. Frequently the Snowmaiden is accompanied by her forest friends: white rabbits, squirrels, little birds, or deer. Therefore, you will find rabbits and the other forest creatures, are also popular subjects for Christmas decoration.

Some designs are borrowed from the Christmas traditions of Scandinavia, Europe, and the many cultures within Russia and the old Republics of the USSR. Christmas trees, snowmen, angels, bells, and decorated eggs are all very popular subjects for Russian decorations and ornaments. Small porcelain dolls dressed in traditional Russian costume are also made into Christmas ornaments.

Traditional folk art centers such as Khokhloma, Zhostovo, and Gzhel also produce beautiful ornaments following the traditions of their unique crafts.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union and renewed religious freedom, religious themes are once again prominent. Angels, figures from Russian Orthodoxy such as nuns, and bishops, and images from traditional Russian iconography such as the Madonna and child are produced in many different materials and styles.

Many Russian ornaments are in the shape of an egg. The egg has been a symbolic gift in Russia and Eastern Europe for over two thousand years, predating the arrival of Christianity. Eggs are a symbolic gift that represent renewal, new life, and the miracle of life. Therefore, it is not uncommon to give and receive decorated eggs on occasions throughout the year, not just at Easter.

The Russian American Company offers a wide selection of Russian ornaments and Christmas decorations.

Toll Free Phone: 1-800-742-6228  |  Local Phone: 907-747-6228
Address: 407 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835