The Russian Ushanka Fur Hat: The Perfect Blend of Warmth and Style
Written by Vadim on April 13, 2011 – 6:30 pm -
Russian winters are notoriously cold and harsh, and the Russian people have thus developed many different types of warm clothing for survival and comfort. The ushanka, a type of warm winter hat, is one of these.
Throughout the world, Russians are associated with round fur hats. Round fur hats with flaps that can either be tied or otherwise fastened on the head, or unfolded to cover the ears are called ushanka. More than just a hat, they also serve as protection for the head, as they are thick and strong. However, most people who wear these hats appreciate them for their unparalleled warmth. Ushanka cover not just the head, but the ears and often a good deal of the neck and jaw as well.
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Tags: fur, hat, ushanka
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The Bayan Russian Accordion – A Sound With History
Written by Vadim on April 13, 2011 – 6:01 pm -
If you have ever listened to Russian folk music, you have heard the distinctive sound of the bayan. Comparable to the accordion that Westerners are so familiar with, this musical instrument provides a similar sound with unique Eastern European flair.
The bayan may look like an accordion in many ways, but there are key differences as well. Most notably, this instrument uses buttons rather than the piano keys seen on Western accordions. The bayan also has much less tremolo, but instead a clear, unwavering note. The reeds are attached to the plates in large groups rather than in pairs, and they are attached with screws rather than wax. These reeds are a different shape as well, giving a slightly different sound. The bass in particular has a unique tone that is usually described as sounding deeper and fuller than that of the classical accordion.
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Tags: accordion, bayan, russian accordion
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Khokhloma: A Timeless Russian Tradition for Contemporary Homes
Written by Vadim on April 13, 2011 – 2:15 pm -
Khokhloma is a Russian folk art that looks great on any modern table. Although it is made of wood, it appears to be gold due to its bright color and metallic sheen. It is one of the most popular crafts from Eastern Europe due to its high quality and timeless charm.
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Tags: khokhloma, lacquered timber, timber
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Soviet Cartoon “Nu Pogodi” [“Well,Just You Wait!”]
Written by Vadim on October 20, 2009 – 7:06 pm -
“Nu Pogodi”, often translated as “Well, Just You Wait!” and “I’ll Get You” is a beloved Soviet cartoon, similar in style to Tom & Jerry and Roadrunner. The main characters are a Hare “Zayats”, which is constantly being preyed upon by the Wolf (Volk) who resorts to comically diabolical schemes. Several other minoir characters are also introduced throughout the series.
Unlike Roadrunner, Nu Pogodi places a greater emphasis on various real-life situations and locations. The characters are anthropomorphically drawn, with human-shaped bodies. Unlike Tom & Jerry, The Wolf and Hare often walk on two feed and occasionally converse with each other.
20 Episodes were made between 1969 and 2006 – 13 between 1969 to 1980, and 7 between 1984 and 2006.
Following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1990, this cartoon received its first exposure to many Western audiences.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu_pogodi
Tags: cartoon, Just You Wait, Nu Pogodi
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Make Your Own Fabergé Eggs
Written by Vadim on October 20, 2009 – 5:30 pm -
Sometimes, the best gift or artwork is the one that you make yourself.
The Do-It-Yourself website Instructables.com, has a fantastic compilation of guides on how to make your own imitation Fabergé Eggs. Some of the beautiful imitation Faberge Eggs include:
“Imperial Red” (shown above), “Lilies of the City”, “Silver Pendant Egg”, “Blue Bird of Happiness”, “Paradise Bird Egg” and “Metallic butterfly”.
Tags: faberge egg, gem, gemstones, jewellery, jewelry
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