Magic Shop - about Belarusian dolls and ornaments

Magic Shop - about Belarusian dolls and ornaments

The dolls look at us from the store shelves. A wide variety of dolls - from Chinese porcelain, masquerading as European ladies of the 19th century, to straw folk.

Dolls-amulets

Belarusian folk traditions very ancient. Those souvenirs that any tourist will bring from Belarus - straw dolls or dolls made of fabric, clay handicrafts (jugs, bells, figurines), are not as simple as it seems at first glance. Behind them are centuries of history and a very rich symbolism from pagan times. And even if this is not a clay toy-conic, made in the same way as hundreds of years ago, but a figurine of a grandmother and grandfather on a stove, the traditions of their manufacture are still the same.

Clay souvenir

Walking along the Stolitsa shopping center, near the train station, near the Red Church and Independence Square, that's where tourists definitely go, I came across the Magic Shop. The shop, which was hidden at the very bottom, near the escalator. The shop is like a shop - magnets with the bored inscription Minsk, Russian nesting dolls (if the Italian does not reach Moscow, he will still buy a matryoshka), beads and bracelets from various stones... But if you look closely, there are souvenirs and more interesting ones - amulets made of straw and clay, amulet dolls.

Magic shop

Let's stop at dolls. Traditional Belarusian dolls can be of two types (except for the clay toy - there were also dolls made of clay, but most often they still sculpted animal figures) - straw (straw-weaving was very common in Belarus) and fabric.

Fabric dolls, such as the one in the photo above, were exclusively amulets. They were very simple, they had no faces. Such dolls could be made not only by adult women, but also by girls.

Dolls were made from fabric and threads. The fabric was taken from old clothes, which is also important, because the clothes were saturated with the energy of the one who wore them. The dolls were not sewn, but twisted and tied with threads. They did not have a face because it was believed that evil spirits could penetrate and settle in them through the faces of the dolls. Sometimes a cross was made in place of the face from threads and ribbons - as a symbol of life and the sun.

Clay bell doll (analogy to rag dolls)

Fabric dolls were divided into several types.
Cleansing dolls or amulet dolls could be hung near the door, thus protecting the house from evil spirits. The "ash" doll was so called because ash from the hearth of her home was placed in its head. Such a doll was presented to the newlyweds for a wedding, taken with them on the road, to a new place of residence. A doll for luck - such a doll was always sewn as a gift, it was not large in size - 4-5 cm.

Time has made its own adjustments in the manufacture of dolls from fabric. Modern souvenir dolls are no longer twisted, but sewn together, sometimes their faces appear, and their clothes are often decorated with stylized Belarusian ornaments. There are even bigger exceptions - for example, dolls can dress in a variety of costumes, like this one in the photo, in an expensive fur coat.

The Belarusian ornament, which can be seen on the Belarusian folk costume, flag, souvenir dolls, or on such a clay bell in the form of a doll, as in the photo above, is also a very ancient, pagan thing. Each ornamental pattern, often geometrical, carries a specific meaning.

Here are the meanings of some of the patterns:

1 - symbol of the female share
2 - Mother and the holy tree
3 - a symbol of a strong family
4 - the symbol of the sun
5 - a symbol of a rich man
6 - the symbol of Beregin
7 - Kupala. Round dance
8 - Kupala. Fire
9 - Kupala. Kupalinka dance
10 - Kupala grass with 3 flowers
11 - a symbol of children (protection from misfortunes)
12 - the symbol of the Mother
13 - amulet
14 - a symbol of a song of love
15 - the sign of the girl-birch
16 - the symbol of the god Yaryla
17 - wedding
18 - the symbol of ancestors
19 - a symbol of the beginning of love and a symbol of love in its prime
20 - symbol non-reciprocal love and a symbol of memory of love
21 - The tree of life, symbolizes eternity, immortality
22. - Yaryla on horseback. Slavic god of harvest and vitality of nature
23 - A plump woman. Symbol of productivity and life
24 - a symbol of the awakening of nature in spring
25 - symbol of the sun

Clay and straw charms - magnets

Clay souvenir

Please fill it out according to the rules of article formatting.

History of origin.

Having emerged many millennia ago, the doll not only has not lost its relevance, but having gone through several stages of its development, has become the subject of deep scientific research. All this testifies to the high interest in the topic of dolls on the part of the modern person. One of the first toys created by man was a doll. This is not just a toy, but a part of the cultural wealth of every nation. Character, originality, national traits, traditions - everything was embodied in her image by this beauty, which can rightfully be called the image of a nation. Today in Belarus there are several workshops for the production of unique author's and folk dolls. The history of dolls is included in the training courses of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University, the Belarusian State University of Culture and the Academy of Arts. The history of the appearance of the doll is rooted in antiquity. Its first purpose was associated with religion. Dolls were made from natural materials putting soul and hope in them. Thus, the doll became a guardian of the family hearth - a symbol of people's faith. For example, the doll "Herbal Egg" was filled with fragrant medicinal herb. The doll had to be crumpled in the hands, and the herbal spirit spread through the room, which drove away diseases. Children also liked this toy. While playing with her, the child touched the history and culture of his people. It is not surprising that, after centuries, the image of the folk beauty doll remains relevant among adults and children. Traditional Belarusian Dolls were made of straw, flax and wood, depending on the region of residence of their creators.

Dolls in New Year's traditions.

It has long been customary to make dolls in late autumn. At the end of the field work, the women had free time, and they began to handicraft. Dolls were knitted, woven and molded. Dolls were given to children, and some of them were put on a place of honor in the house. Thus, toys can be divided into dolls for children, ceremonial dolls, dolls for weddings and other celebrations. One of the favorite celebrations of our ancestors was the celebration of the New Year. After the decree of Peter I, the onset of the New Year began to be celebrated according to the European tradition - January 1. Preparations for the celebration began in the fall. Each caring mistress did not forget to weave dolls that served christmas tree decoration, brought comfort and warmth to a family holiday.

Holiday of dolls.

The image of the doll became more and more popular over time. The creators of the dolls shared their skills, setting aside special days and times for this. As is customary among the Slavs, "puppet games" were held with a gorgeous feast, lots of entertainment and music. It can be considered that these days have become the prototype of the festival of the Belarusian doll. At first it was chaotic and spontaneous, expressed, first of all, in the demonstration of dolls during the New Year and Christmas periods during various festivities. Closer to the middle of the 18th century, when Belarus was already a part of the Russian Empire, the first centralized and mass holidays appeared, in which the doll took a central place. At the "Puppet Games" craftswomen demonstrated their talents, the ability to create dolls from various materials... Most often, the materials were traditional - linen and straw, but in history there are also descriptions of unusual dolls. "Puppet games" have always been considered one of the most happy Holidays winter. After all, they were dedicated to the one that accompanied people all their lives - to the doll.

At the beginning of the XX century, "puppet games" became a favorite mass festivities. It was then that the idea arose to introduce this holiday into the general state and church calendar... Thus, the Belarusian doll has its own holiday. For the Day of Belarusian Dolls, each craftswoman tried to make the most beautiful doll - "Zabavushka". After the Civil War, the tradition of holding such holidays disappeared. Having lost support, and actually being among the prohibited, "puppet games" are gradually losing popularity.

30.05.2012 - 09:34

When there were no toy shops and shops in sight, children had dolls in every house and in every family. Initially, the doll served as a totem and ritual symbol, rather slowly turning into an object that exclusively entertains the child.

Domenica, singer:
The most common toy for country girls was a rag doll. These dolls were taken care of: a girl grows up, becomes a mother and gives the doll to her daughter.
Rag dolls were in every family. But how they looked and what role they played, the master of folk dolls Valentina Ivanovna Shkrobot will tell us.

There are several ways to make a traditional folk doll. Pupa on a twist: a rectangle of fabric was twisted into a roll. Tied up, dressed. This doll is called "Mother's Blessing".

Each rag doll was different from its counterpart. But traditionally they were all divided into groups according to the method of manufacture and purpose.

Bell dolls (they were also called "nodular") were based on a ball filled with fluff or straw. Lovebird dolls are always tied in pairs. And the dummy dolls accompanied the child from birth until they were torn. They were made from old things of the mother, without using needles and scissors - so that the life of the baby was "not cut and not chopped."

There were even special dolls to which the child could complain about his misfortune, according to the program on STV.

Valentina Shkrobot, member of the Union of Masters folk art Belarus:
There were tiny play dolls. In particular, a bunny on a finger. She dressed on a finger, clenched into a fist so that her ears protruded. And a problem was whispered into my ears that could not be resolved.

The doll with the name "herbal egg capsule" was a "healing" toy. Filled with medicinal herbs, this doll was placed in a crib or simply handed to the child.

In addition to the entertainment function, the educational function was also laid in traditional folk toys. The girl was taught home cooking by measuring the proportions of food on the doll. And, of course, with the help of toys they prepared for the future role of a mother.

Valentina Shkrobot, member of the Union of Folk Artists of Belarus:
It was not for nothing that swaddling dolls were made. On a tiny swaddling doll, the size of a finger, the girls studied, prepared to become future mothers. They learned to spin the baby, there were some role-playing games.
There were little dolls - a mother is carrying a child. They have one inseparable hand. There is a baby on this hand. Mom leads him to life. The hand is a symbol of continuous transmitted knowledge. The child feels his mother behind his back, it is like a reliable rear, and the mother leads him into the world, prepares him for life.

The rag dolls had no face. It was believed that in this way the doll becomes inanimate and evil spirits cannot enter it. This means that it will be safe for the child.

Valentina Shkrobot, member of the Union of Folk Artists of Belarus:
If girls played with rag dolls, then boys most likely played with wooden ones. They were closer to them in their essence.

Of course, older men and boys were engaged in the manufacture of wooden toys. Animals and pets, figurines of peasants and heroes of folk tales were used as characters, according to a program on STV. Quite often, rather complex structures were made of wood, in which, for example, mowers famously wield their tools, and bears knock with hammers or together saw a log.

And wooden rattles were once replaced, probably, rattles.

Another favorite material for toys was clay. In addition to whistles, a variety of figures of people and animals were made from clay.

And here, by the way, is the prototype of the modern Barbie house - a peasant house made of clay with all its inhabitants, utensils, pies and a samovar.

Valentina Shkrobot, member of the Union of Folk Artists of Belarus:
Even the foundations of the world outlook were laid in all these dolls. Everything that surrounded, everything that was seen, was transferred to the dolls.

Toys were even made from ash, from cobs of corn, fir cones and straw. And all of them brought children even more joy than modern bright and complex dolls, cars and robots.

Domenica, singer:
From any material at hand, be it textiles, felt, straw or clay, you can make a toy with your own hands. And together with her, you will pass on your love and affection, joy and laughter to the child. This is the power of the influence of the toy on the child. Through her, someone very close and affectionate speaks to the child truthfully and wisely.

Do you want to immerse yourself in the world of childhood? We show unique dolls from the Soviet Union



The unique exhibition "Doll Stories" offers to immerse yourself in the world of childhood.

Alexander Golovin, head of the sector of the department of gallery and exhibition activities of the National Library of Belarus:
Initially, the doll was not a toy; it was more of a ritual or ritual device. Motank dolls, clay and wooden dolls have always been a symbol of Slavic toys.

For centuries, dolls have been handcrafted, but factory production has made them available to many.

Alexander Golovin:
PThe first polymer material thatryallowed mass production and production of toys,– celluloid.Nfor example, thisatumbler, but materialenoughit is fire hazardous and these dolls were made from it for a short time.

Later, dolls were made of rubber and plastic, for example, this one is the smallest baby doll mass production the size of your palm.

Veronika Makarevich, correspondent:
This is the Natasha doll - the tallest in the Soviet Union. Her height is 76 cm. 40 years ago she was a great rarity, so any Soviet schoolgirl dreamed of playing with her.

There were also exceptions. Meet Isabella from the 60s.

Alexander Golovin:
Dolls-bridesin the 80s and 90s were very popularm as a gift for a wedding. ANDXverycould often be seen on the hoodor on the roof of the car. Ethat traditionwhich seems to us a little strange, appeared in Slavic times, when they made a doll-amuletin the form of a bride and clung toweddingwagon.

And in this part of the exposition, voluminous dioramas represent scenes from the plots of famous fairy tales. The technique of making dolls is varied. "Ryaba chicken" - an example textile doll, "Kolobok" - attic.

Alexander Golovin:
Ee artificially aged: brewed in coffee, adddifferentspices, many years later,these toysstore the aroma.Pabout the legend, in the attic above the coffee factory such a toyandwas found.

The exhibition includes works by Vladimir Konoshevich, the creator of amazing illustrations for the works of Chukovsky and Leonid Vladimirsky, who invented the beloved image of Buratino in a striped cap.

You will need

• - cotton or linen fabric;
• - grain;
• - scraps of fabric for clothing;
• - woolen or linen threads.

Instructions

There are a lot of options for making Russian folk dolls. Each of them had its own function. They were made from different materials - shreds, grain, straw, woolen thread... As a rule, folk toys endowed with magical properties were made without a face. But a doll made exclusively for play and not participating in any rituals can also have a face.

Make a grain doll. Cut a square out of heavy cotton or linen. Fold it in half, right side inward. Sew or hand sew on the long side. Pull the bottom with linen or woolen thread. It is not necessary to sew it along the edge. Unscrew the resulting bag.

Fill the bag with grain. In the old days, it was believed that only whole grains should be taken from the new harvest. In a modern store, it is rather difficult to determine when the commercially available buckwheat or oats are harvested, so this rule may not be followed. But in any case, the grains must be selected and the bag filled with the most selected ones. You can take millet, rice, wheat and any other grains. You can make several of these dolls with different fillings. Stuff the bag tightly and tie at the top.

Use the shreds to make a skirt and an apron. The skirt does not need to be sewn, it is just a strip of fabric that completely covers lower part bag, that is, the one where the knot is inside. The apron is a smaller piece. Put on a skirt first, then an apron and secure it all with a belt of bright woolen thread at a distance of about 1/3 of the height of the bag, counting from the bottom.

Make the doll's head. To do this, set aside 1/3 of the height at the top. Shape the neck with a woolen thread. Tie a scarf and a handkerchief on top. It was believed that grain dolls bring wealth to the house, so they were most often planted closer to the stove or to the workplace. The hair of such a doll was usually not done, but now it is not forbidden. Cut the linen threads and sew them to the head so that they protrude slightly from under the scarf.

You can also make a doll out of fabric. Its manufacturing technology is available to everyone. Take a piece of thick fabric and roll it into a thick, short roller. Wrap it with a white rag, form the bottom of the neck by tying it with a woolen thread. Wrap your head with the same threads so that they intersect in place of the face. Roll two more rollers. The one intended for the torso should be thicker and more authentic than the first. The third roller is for hands, it is thinner.

Tie the body to the head and wrap with threads along the entire length. Attach your arms with the same threads to the upper body, perpendicular to it. Make clothes for the doll from colorful patches, and a wig from woolen threads, collecting them in a bun.

The creation of a folk doll together with the child helps to educate the baby, teaches him the basics of needlework, contributes to the development of fine motor skills and creative abilities. While working, the child learns and begins to realize the traditions of his people. With his own hands, of course, with the help of his parents, a child can make a real folk doll - a play, ritual and even a talisman doll. The master classes show how to make traditional dolls step by step. Ritual: "Pelenashka", "Bereginya", "Lovebirds", "World Tree", "Stolbushka", "Kupala Doll". Amulet dolls "Domovushka", "Zernovushka", "Kuvadka", "Ten-handled". And, of course, toys-fun "Bunny" and "Mishutka" from a rag.

Nowadays, the function of a folk doll is mainly reduced to play, but the process of making such a toy is very exciting, while working you can sing, tell fairy tales, talk, and in this sense, the folk doll, no doubt, has retained its magical properties - this unites the family and adjusts to a kind and positive mood.

If you have settled such a doll in your house, do not forget to present it from time to time: beads, a new ribbon. If you feel that the doll helps you in some business, be sure to thank you with some new decoration.

Making folk dolls is an activity that will be interesting for both adults and children, and girls and boys! Thanks to the simplicity of the doll shape, the result is visible almost immediately. For example, it takes 15–20 minutes to create a Little House. And the materials that are needed for work can always be found at home: scraps, threads, trimming ribbons and circles, and if nothing like that is found, a doll can be created from children's things, from which the child has already grown. Even jeans can be used. The main condition is that the fabrics must be natural.

Some dolls are made without a needle and scissors - that is why, even without the skills of sewing, we can make a doll using ancient technology.

There are also such models of dolls, for the creation of which you will need to master an easy-to-execute seam - forward a needle.

And you also have to learn how to knit knots.

You will learn not only about how to make this or that traditional doll correctly, but also about what symbolism they carry in themselves, what their purpose, ritual function, and the properties of amulet dolls. For example, if the parts of the dolls are wound or are attached to each other, the dolls will be called motankas. Motanks can be cute souvenirs, play dolls, gift or purchase. But it is advisable to make the nodal doll yourself or for a loved one.

When you start making dolls, notice that they carry symbols: a cross, a spiral, a symbol of a sown field. And in combination with red and blue protective function of dolls-amulets only intensifies.

The red thread symbolizes feminine strength. The blue thread is masculine strength. Dolls that contain red and blue are good for protecting the baby.

There are also dolls that in themselves resemble a symbol. This doll looks like a symbol of infinity.

The first doll that a mother can make to her newborn baby and put in a cradle is a diaper.

Twisting the part of the doll, you will see a symbol - a spiral. If you take a cloth in a cage for swaddling, you get oldest symbol sown field - for well-being! By tying a swivel we get a cross. We knit a knot to fix the fabric. The knot is a symbol of protection. Together, these symbols will become a very powerful talisman.

In the old days, this symbolism was read by our ancestors as easily as we now read the letters in a book.

Easter dolls are created in a knotted way. The face of such a doll is not made - these are extra eyes. And extra eyes are not needed in the house. Why, you ask? A doll is an image of a person, a semblance of a person, so it can “pull energy” onto itself - our grandmothers believed in this. It is for this reason that dolls have no eyes. Although if you are making a doll exclusively for play, you can draw a face for it: quite conditionally. Dots to indicate eyes, nose and mouth.

Many dolls in the old days were created hastily, from what was at hand. They took a handkerchief, - rolled up the old woman, played - unfolded the toy: we got the handkerchief back. Almost every nation had such fun.

This is our imagination, fantasy! This is what these dolls are good for. They provide an opportunity to express themselves, in contrast to those in which everything is thought out inside and out. Let's try to create patchwork dolls that will decorate your home for years to come and even become a talisman if you want it!

And it's a pleasure to play with them!

Nemovlenok (diaper)

One of the most ancient dolls. Created before the birth of a child or specially for a child. The name of the doll comes from the Ukrainian word "nemovlya" - the first months of a child's life, when he still does not speak, "do not wash" (ie, "does not speak"). In Russian, the closest analogue is infancy. When a woman made this doll, she uttered affectionate words and wishes for the unborn child. In the old days, seven such dolls were made, they guarded the mother during childbirth, then they were placed in the baby's bed to distract evil spirits, and when he grew up, they also became the first toys of the child. If you go out for a walk, the doll can be tied to the stroller in a conspicuous place - then prying eyes will be directed not at the baby, but at the doll. Such a doll for a child can be made by a mother or grandmother.

Doll Bereginya

This doll, according to legend, protects the house, economy from dark forces, the evil eye, invokes good and bright spirits. Bereginya is made of old clothes that are no longer worn, but it is also a pity to throw them away. But this is only if you are making a ritual doll for yourself. If it is created as a gift, it is better to make it from scraps of new fabric. In ancient times, the beregin was endowed with tremendous power, so she was used in various rituals, she was present during childbirth, at a wedding, and was used for fortune-telling. Bereginya is done without using a needle. All parts are twisted and attached directly to the doll. This doll has no arms. Important! Beregini has no face. But under the white rag we will hide a spiral - a symbol of eternity. The doll will symbolize the strength of the family. Better not to keep it in a visible place. This is a charm that strangers should not see.

Lovebird dolls

There is such a tradition: newlyweds attach smartly to the car. dressed doll or even a teddy bear. And all in order to switch the attention of the "evil" eye to them. In the old days, this role was played by a puppet family. It is believed that if you admire a cute bear or a beautiful doll, envy dissolves. That is why the doll couple occupied an honorable place in the house, and soon a small doll - a baby - was tied to the doll's hand. Lovebirds are a symbol and amulet of a strong family union. They are made so that they cannot be separated, so that the husband and wife walk through life hand in hand ... It is customary to give such a family of dolls for a wedding.

World tree

In the old days, this doll symbolized the combination of two halves into one whole. It was made without needles, like many amulets, it was believed that with a needle you can "sew up happiness." To create such a doll, you need a birch stick in the form of a slingshot. The dolls are attached to this stick: the bride and groom! Moreover, be sure to face each other so that they do not have the opportunity to turn away from each other. The creation of a new family was considered similar to planting the World Tree - hence the name of the doll. In the Old Russian understanding, the branches of the World Tree symbolize heaven, the trunk - the earthly world, the roots - the underworld. The "World Tree" doll was traditionally stuck into a wedding cake. And then she was kept in the family as a talisman.

Column

Pupa Column - traditional doll, a symbol of the unity of masculine and feminine principles. The column is the most common type of folk doll. In the old days it was believed that it brings good luck and prosperity, a rich harvest and serves as a symbol of procreation. Dolls were passed from mother to daughter and then to granddaughter and great-granddaughter. The pillar was a talisman for a baby, a toy for older children. The doll distracted evil forces on itself, protecting the baby. For the amulet to work, the doll had to be “fed” with conversations, communication with her. The child could entrust the doll with all his problems, grievances, and this helped him to survive them.

Kupala doll

The Kupala doll is a ceremonial cross-doll, that is, its base is a cross of two sticks. Such a doll was made for the day of Ivan Kupala. To create it, it was necessary to take freshly broken sticks. Flowers and ribbons were tied to the finished doll and lowered into the water. The ribbons were supposed to carry away all the hardships, because in the old days it was believed that water cleanses from everything that interferes: from diseases, bad thoughts. Therefore, there is no need to spare ribbons, you can knit a lot of them, all over the sleeve of the shirt.

Housewife or Well-Being

The housemaid is a small doll that you can always take with you by putting it in your purse. A coin is hidden in the doll. This is because the Wellbeing brings good luck and prosperity! If the doll is at home, it is called the Housewife and protects the family! This doll has no definite place in the house: it can be hidden, or it can be put in plain sight.

Grain

This small pupa has several names: Krupenichka, Zernovushka, Goroshinka, Grechishnitsa. This is one of the favorite folk dolls. The best selected grain of the harvested crop was kept in Zernovushka, which was used for sowing the following spring. And this doll is also an indicator of the well-being and prosperity of the family. In the spring, the Zernovushki dolls were taken apart, their clothes were washed and folded until autumn, and after the harvest they were dressed up again and carefully kept in the red corner. These dolls are traditionally considered a talisman for wealth and satiety. This doll has one more role: In the old days, a grain was made by a woman who wanted to give birth to a child. Be sure to be alone when no one is at home. Then the doll was placed in a secluded place so that outsiders would not see it. Such a doll can be presented with appropriate wishes.

Kuvadka

Previously, this doll served as a talisman, but now it is good for playing. Moreover, it is simple and quick to do it. Kuvadka is one of the ancient ritual dolls. Unfortunately, the ceremony itself disappeared, but the doll remained with us. The name of the Kuvadka doll comes from the word "kuvakanye" - the first cry of a child. And they did it before the birth of the baby. During childbirth, the future dad had to provide protection from evil spirits by performing the "kuvada" rite. He sat on a basket of eggs and shouted as if he was giving birth to a child - and all in order to deceive the evil forces and distract them from the mother. The Kuvadka doll played the same role - it took on the evil eye and distracted evil spirits. Now such a doll can be put in a child's bed. And when the baby grows up, he will be happy to play with her.

Ten-pen

Many dolls in the old days were created to help housewives. Here is the ritual multi-armed Ten-Hand doll and helped a girl or young woman (a girl who recently got married) in the household. It was customary to give such a doll for a wedding, so that the woman could do everything and everything worked out for her. And the doll also helped girls preparing a dowry and women in weaving, sewing, embroidery, knitting, and other creative pursuits. It was usually done on October 14, on Pokrov, when they sat down to handicraft after harvesting and preparing for winter. Be sure to use threads of a protective red color, and nine red bows were tied along the hem of a sundress. Previously, the Ten-Handle was made from bast or bast, but you can also use shreds. According to tradition, the Ten-Handle was burned almost immediately after its creation, but now it is hung and placed in a room where a girl or woman most often does housework or handicrafts.

Bunny gift for Easter

The bunny is a positive character that is often found in folk tales and songs. While playing with such a toy, you can sing or tell a fairy tale. The bunny is both a toy and a friend to whom you can entrust your secrets or just talk. In the old days, such a toy was left to a child when adults had to leave the house. She helped him overcome his fear of being alone. This role is quite within our bunny's shoulder even now. You can also give this cute hare for Easter!

Teddy bear

The bear is created according to the canons of traditional home-made dolls, but the image of the bear itself is not so common among patchwork toys. But he is often mentioned in other types of folklore art: in fairy tales, rhymes, sayings. How did the patchwork Bear come about? Once, at a lesson where patchwork dolls were created, a little girl Sasha suddenly took and twisted such a bear. And then the usual ballpoint pen drew his face. So she got a patchwork friend Mishka. Folk art is in demand today. We only choose what we like. And sometimes, perhaps, we ourselves, like little Sasha, create dolls, which in hundreds of years will be called a traditional hand-made toy.

In this article, we want to talk about how to properly make a talisman doll with your own hands. Our ancestors actively used this type of needlework, so why don't we remember their experience?

Even in our time, a doll is not just a toy - it helps a child to become familiar with life's roles, to comprehend the adult world in a form that is understandable to him. What can we say about our ancestors, for whom the doll served as a powerful amulet! Adults considered her to be an assistant in everyday life, personal and social life. Now this skill is starting to gain popularity again.

The history of amulets dolls

Souvenir, collectible and even just play dolls have their own history, but they began their countdown much later than the amulet dolls. We can safely say that this creation of hands, carrying a sacred meaning, arose simultaneously with its creators - that is, about 40-50 thousand years ago.

Such dolls had the same meaning as religious symbols, idols of paganism. They embodied the images of gods, various spirits, served as important components of rituals, protected their masters in and even used in sacrifices instead of living victims.

IMPORTANT: The material used was the one that was at hand - straw, wood, rags.

The very first an officially documented doll was found on site modern Czech Republic. It was made mammoth bone... Surprisingly, this ancient chrysalis even had movable limbs!

Quite often, the first pupae were made from ash- from the water it swelled and conveniently formed into a ball. Attached to the ball twigs, burlap... Since the ash symbolized home, it was necessary to take such needlework when you change your place of residence.

After the ash ones appeared rag-thread amulets- they are also called reeled, nodular... The history of motanka, which the craftswomen enthusiastically create to this day, has about 5000 years! It appeared at the same time when linen came into use.

Inside the nodular pupa was located straw, and served as hair threads. Legs were rag... Our ancestors made reels without fail cross-shaped- only then, in their opinion, they were valid.

IMPORTANT: Since time immemorial, craftswomen have tried to make dolls so that they do not use needles or scissors during work. Hence the motanka got its name. It was believed that a thing made with piercing-cutting objects cannot serve as a talisman.

By the way, straw is not the only filler that has been used before. Herbs, flowers, twigs, vine- fairly affordable and convenient material. It was believed that birch branches save family happiness, and aspen drive away evil spirits.

In general, different countries had their own materials. So, Egyptians enjoyed clay, wax and wood,Greeks - with clay, Romans - with rags. Often, such items had a sacred meaning - for example, when they embodied the gods.

Slavic dolls-amulets

Trypillian culture is one of the oldest Slavic cultures that preceded the emergence of Kievan Rus. It is believed that the Tripoli culture arose approximately in 5400 BC, and it existed for about 2000 years.

Trypillians revered the sun, sky, water and the bull as a symbol of agriculture. A considerable place was occupied by cult of women- archaeologists managed to find many clay pupae. This is not surprising, because the woman acted as a symbol of motherhood, handicrafts and fertility.

IMPORTANT: It is likely that the motanks appeared in this particular culture. They have served as an indispensable component of female meditation and magic.

At the same time, representatives of the Trypillian culture, which was quite developed, thoughtfully passed from generation to generation the ability to create reeled dolls.

It is believed that the motanka appeared during the times of the Trypillian culture.

Trypillians unwound the doll most often in a spiral. They believed that the spiral symbolizes growth, multiplication, creation of the world.

However, the doll was not only of great sacred significance. She helped in everyday life, household, cured diseases. The amulet was believed to have contributed to building rapport between spouses. The doll was also created on the occasion of some important event.

IMPORTANT: A prerequisite there was the facelessness of the chrysalis. It was believed that it is in a state of energy exchange with its owner, and a certain image may not coincide with the inner world of a person. And the resemblance to any person was completely useless - all the negative from the doll could be transmitted to him.

The technology for creating amulets is approximately the same for all Slavic peoples, however, each region had its own differences. So, in the north they were made from birch bark, in the south - from cobs of corn, straw.

an injection of birch bark and burlap was characteristic of the northern Slavs

Motanks from the territory modern Ukraine might not have arms or legs, but they were different big head... For other regions, for example, in modern Kursk region- on the face of the doll flaunted cross. Oblique cross t characteristic of creativity South Slavs was supposed to promote fertility.

Russian folk dolls-amulets

In Russia, the amulet doll accompanied a person from birth and throughout adulthood. Independent oh my first doll the girl was making years at 12-13... The adults judged how ready the girl is for marriage by the quality of the crafts. The beautiful work was sent to the dowry chest.

IMPORTANT: Only women were involved in this kind of needlework. The men were not even allowed to watch the process.

Each region of Russia assigned a certain outfit to the chrysalis. So, northern provinces dressed up their creations in bright sundress and kokoshnik with beads. Ryazan craftswomen put on the doll bright nevu, embroidered shirt and headdress "magpie".

Our ancestors were especially attentive to the filling of their needlework. For example, if a woman has couldn't get pregnant, she stuffed the amulet doll grass, which was collected on the night of Ivan Kupala. Knapweed helped if surrounded by people who planned evil. St. John's wort defended kids from the evil eye, a gladiolus strengthened the health of adults.

IMPORTANT: Craftswomen in Russia believed that on some days one should not engage in the manufacture of amulets. Unsuitable days were Friday, Sunday and major holidays. In addition, it was believed that making a doll is important in one day.

DIY amulets made of fabric: master class

Doll Bereginya enjoyed particular popularity among our ancestors. The needlewomen chose the following for this amulet:

• The most bright fabric, certainly natural
• Flesh-colored fabric
• The filler is medicinal dried herbs like sage, thyme, St. John's wort, mint. Cotton wool, synthetic winterizer, cereals may be suitable
• Canvas
• White and orange or red thread

Fabric for the Bereginya doll should be bright

The first step is to take flesh-colored fabric and cut off from her a piece of about 8 by 8 centimeters. This piece is wrapped around a small ball of filler - so head is formed... All this is fixed with a white thread.

IMPORTANT: When working with a thread, it is worth considering that you need to make an odd number of revolutions. But there should be an even number of knots.

Now you need straighten the fabric that remained under the head.

We shape the handles dolls from the corners of the straightened fabric. These corners to start roll up inward and then three times fold up "airplane".

After the above folds, each handle folds in half and tied with white thread... Just keep in mind that it is worth retreating from the edge of the handle. centimeters and a half.

The time has come bright fabric! Cut or, if possible, tear off from it two small squares of 6 centimeters each. Invest in squares filler balls- so you will form breast pupae.

Bereginia's breasts are formed from bright pieces of tissue

Fasten your chest, as is the case with the head and hands, thread.

IMPORTANT: When tying knots, it is worth saying out loud your wish for health to yourself and your family.

In order to create skirt, take a bright piece of fabric and place it under your chest so that it the face was turned inward. In this case, the fabric should cover the head. Tie the future skirt to the body, fasten it with a knot - and only then lower it down.

Now create a chrysalis on the head warrior- a scarf previously worn by Russian married peasant women. It will be symbolized double red or orange thread.

It's turn apron- suitable for him a small piece of gingham. Fold this piece about an inch on top. Insert the pre-twisted thread into the fold. Thread an apron and tied to Beregina.

Now created kerchief... For her, a triangle is cut out of the canvas, which is tied.

IMPORTANT: The knot should be placed at the back and the ends of the scarf should be hidden at the back. This is how women used to tie a scarf.

Bereginya doll is ready! Now you can straighten her skirt again - and she can serve people. For those who do not belong to the family, it is not recommended to pick it up.

This is how the doll-amulet Bereginya looks like

Do-it-yourself amulet doll from threads: step by step instructions

Often in March, craftswomen created dolls Martinichki- they had to attract spring... In addition, Martynichki served as a talisman family happiness helped a man and a woman better get along with each other.

Traditionally, these dolls are made in two colors- red and white. White symbolizes the passing winter, but Red- the coming spring.

It was customary to hang these amulets on the trees.

For Martinichek will need:

• Ball of white yarn
• Ball of red yarn
• Cotton wool and various leftovers from yarn
• Cardboard 15 by 15 centimeters

So, first you need to wind it on the cardboard 25 turns of red yarn.

Coiled yarn neatly tied in a knot.

From the yarn of both colors, you need to create the pigtail is approximately 30 centimeters long. The ends of the braids should be tied up.

IMPORTANT: When tying the pigtail, be sure to leave a couple of loose centimeters of yarn. Dissolve these tips artistically.

One of the ends of the pigtails must be tied to the previously created skein. It is advisable to do this where a knot was created on the yarn - the pigtail will perfectly disguise it.

Now it's time to create head. You will need cotton wool, although you can also use yarn - you need to make from some of these materials a ball about 2-3 centimeters... The ball is placed under the knots.

The threads are tied under the ball. The head area is masked with yarn th so that the base is not visible.

It's turn handles... It is worth reeling on the same cardboard that was used earlier 15 layers of yarn. From both ends of the yarn follows tie knots.

Both sides of the yarn must be bandaging the ends.

IMPORTANT: You should step back 2 centimeters on each side.

After the ends of the future handles are tightened, you can safely artistically trim the yarn. If the piece starts to resemble candy, you are on the right track. Next, a blank for hands is needed thread into a skein under the head.

With a skein of yarn, the handles are intercepted from below and tied up - this is how waist pupae.

According to the principle of creating hands, it is also formed hem dolls - the edges are cut and straightened.

Now it remains, using the previous instructions, to create another doll made of white yarn. This doll attached to the second end of the pigtail.

Don't forget to create a second Martinichka doll

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in making amulets dolls. And their centuries-old history definitely deserves a detailed study.

Read about other protective dolls in the articles:

Each nationality or nationality has always had, has and will have its own special features. We are accustomed to that this refers, first of all, to skin color, characteristic features of facial features, language, rules of behavior and social structure. But a lot of unique things and objects are found in Everyday life among many nations. The Russian rag doll is one of the most striking confirmation of this.

The doll accompanied our ancestors all their lives. Even before the birth of a baby, a doll appeared in his future cradle, driving away evil spirits. Infancy, childhood, adolescence, adolescence, adulthood, old age - all stages of life a person lived in the presence of dolls and their active participation. Even after death, the doll was there, accompanying the deceased to another world.

The Russian national doll took part in literally every action in a person's life, and not only in festive events or the most important stages, but also in the most ordinary, routine ones. That is why dolls fully and completely reflect the essence of a person's life, and not just its manifestations. To understand the doll, its character means to learn the secret of the ancient Slavs - the mysterious Russian soul incomprehensible to many other peoples.

Yes, that's right, because the Russian traditional doll often remained the only protector, keeper, healer, advisor and interlocutor of a person. The doll was the first to tell secrets and share secret desires with her, it was she who kept the family hearth and well-being in the house, and only the doll took away all his illnesses and misfortunes from a person, taking them with her into fire or water. Therefore, people had a corresponding attitude towards dolls - they were loved, respected, respected and cherished.

Features of Russian rag doll

The traditional Russian doll has its own characteristics, the main of which are the following:

• ritual dolls and amulets were made without the use of piercing and cutting objects;
• the dolls did not have facial features;
• the doll had no personal name, there was only a name;
• the overwhelming advantage of female images for making dolls.

In order to make a rag doll, they used pieces of fabric torn from a whole roll or from clothes. This was done on purpose without scissors, because by cutting off some flap or excess fabric from the doll, it was possible to deprive it of its integrity in semantic meaning... For the same reason, needles were not used, all parts were tied with threads or fastened with a knot.

Such requirements were mandatory in the manufacture of ritual dolls, amulet dolls and most play dolls. Gift options, especially from expensive fabrics, with expensive decorations could be sewn using a needle for fastening a large number decorative details.

Despite this seemingly flimsy construction, Russian rag dolls, with proper handling, have existed for several decades. Many families had ancestral dolls passed down from generation to generation. It seems that time itself gave them strength, prolonging the life of the puppet guards and bereginas.

The eyes, nose, lips were not painted on the faces of the dolls. This was done for two reasons. Firstly, extra eyes and ears were not needed in the house, because evil spirits could penetrate the doll through them and then she herself would become a source of misfortune. Secondly, an unfortunate facial expression will not only ruin the character of the doll, but will also leave him that way forever. Therefore, the face of the doll was invented by themselves, depending on the circumstances. Now, against the background of a huge number of modern dolls, this seems unusual and strange, but it is worth having a little chat with the faceless doll, and everything becomes clear.

The faceless doll lived a full life - she was happy and sad, slept and awake, laughed and cried. Such a doll could not help but like its owner - the expression on his face and his features were in fact invented by him. Therefore, it is not entirely true to say that the doll does not have a face - it is, but you need to make friends with the doll in order to see it.

In the last centuries, starting from the nineteenth century, people began to paint faces with rag dolls, but this only concerned play or decorative options. This came from the desire to humanize the doll as much as possible, to make its appearance very similar to us. But even in these cases, only a symbolic display of eyes, nose or mouth was used, embroidering them with a cross and straight lines.

Dolls in Ancient Russia were not given names, it was believed that giving a name to a doll, it can be used to the detriment of the person who will or has the same name. This was used by dark sorcerers - they called the doll in the same way as the object of influence and performed their rituals on it. In addition, by giving the doll a human name, it was possible to disturb the spirit of a deceased relative with the same name. Therefore, play dolls were simply called dolls, lyalki, tsatzky, etc.

The very limited number of male figurines in the puppetry art of our ancestors does not at all mean a disdainful attitude towards the strong half of humanity. If you "dig deeper", study the history of the appearance of dolls and their structure, it turns out that all female splendor, softness and beauty are fixed on a rigid and solid foundation in the form of tight twists or sticks.

In this way, there is a masculine essence in every doll, but it is hidden inside, which reflects a very significant sacred meaning of the doll. That is why there are very few dolls with clearly masculine images, and in some puppet actions, a wand wrapped in cloth was used as a male doll.

Materials for making a rag Russian doll

Russian folk dolls were made from scrap materials. The most common of these were:

• scraps of fabric or old clothes for amulets and ritual dolls;
• scraps of new fabric for souvenir, decorative figures;
• bunches of grass or hay;
• wooden sticks, woodpipes, lumps;
• as a filler - ash, rags.

Of greatest interest are the rag dolls, which reflect by their appearance the peculiarities of the culture of the area where they were made.

The meaning of the Russian rag doll

The Russian national doll was divided into three large groups:

• doll - amulet;
• ritual doll.

Any of these groups includes several dozen (!) Dolls, each of which will differ from the others in its structure or retained meaning. The doll's purpose determined her future life, it never changed and was very rarely combined. So, ritual dolls were never played, as well as play dolls were not used in rituals. But the amulet doll was sometimes given to children as a toy. Most often this happened with healing dolls stuffed with medicinal plants.

Russian rag play doll

The main purpose of the play doll is to distract the child while the adults go about their business. All children, both girls and boys, played with dolls. For the little ones, special dolls were made that develop fine motor skills and motor functions... For example, small dolls worn on a finger or doll pendants in the form of a garland of small knots. The child instinctively squeezes the handle with such a toy, which at the same time regulates muscle tone and occupies the baby.

In principle, any game folk doll carries an additional burden. Some kind of dolls train dexterity, for example, the same hand-made figures or dolls with a base on a wooden stick.

Such dolls could be twisted in their hands, holding it by the wand - this is how the girls acquired spinning skills, and the boys' hands prepared for weaving bast shoes. For these purposes, dolls were made - round dancers, and for boys - fighters, on whose hands small bags were fixed.

As a rule, play dolls were made by adults, but children also took an active part in this process. Therefore, from an early age, the kids knew a lot about the cultural traditions and customs of their people. The doll was the most popular gift for children, while it certainly had a certain sacred meaning. A gift doll could be very simple, for example, for a birthday in poor families, a baby could be given such an angel:

During adolescence, with the help of folk dolls, children studied all the main events of human life. To do this, they gathered in whole groups in the winter in a barn or hut, in the summer - on the street. Each participant brought with him a box of dolls, all roles were assigned among themselves, and the action began. Even weddings with all its stages were played out in this way, strictly observing the sequence. Both adults and children already trained in such games could lead such an event.

Children were prepared for adulthood, forming in advance all the basic ideas about the future. Children under 6-7 years old wore shirts - both boys and girls. During this period, they had the same dolls. Putting on trousers, the boys began their first male life stage, and during this period, their dolls performed mainly male work - they plowed, sowed, harvested, and defended the territory.

During this period, girls began to actively learn about family life - how to organize a household, how to take care of children, what to wear and in what cases, etc. All these questions were assimilated with the help of the Russian national play doll.

A hand-made rag doll took part in the games of not only ordinary village children, they were also in the families of merchants, clergymen and even Russian rulers. Princely, boyar and royal children are just ordinary kids who, like everyone else, need love, affection, attention and, of course, games. And the doll is the first toy among the Russian people.

Russian rag play doll: Column doll

Traditional Russian dolls in noble families were made from expensive fabrics, decorated with precious stones and various accessories. Puppet games for the royal children were the same in meaning as for the village children, only for some they played up royal events, and for others - the life of ordinary people.

Many dolls were made specifically so that children from an early age would understand what is happening around them and what will happen to them. The most striking example is the shape-shifting dolls. They are called differently, but the most popular is the name "Maid-Baba". On the one hand, there is a ruddy, cheerful, elegant young woman, but turning her over, we see a modest woman, tired of everyday worries.

Russian rag doll-amulet

Our ancestors were very jealous of the relationship between good and evil forces. And the point here is not at all in ignorance and ignorance. Apparently, now we are simply not able to see that thin line dividing parallel worlds, from where unknown entities visit us. Oh yes, of course, we are now literate and educated - each of us has 2-3 educational institutions behind us. We, devoid of prejudices, boldly and decisively move towards the cherished invented goal, which in the end turns out to be only a step towards the true goal.

We, people of the 20th and 21st centuries, have carefully and systematically cultivated disdain for their history, traditions of their people for about 100 years. It is both a social system that deprives a person of all that is soulful, and an implanted religion that takes the remnants of this soulfulness into a completely different channel. Our ancestors, free from these shackles, saw around them and understood much more than we, modern intellectuals, who live in slavery to their own illusions of omniscience and all-understanding.

And to forces unknown to us, it makes no difference who to help or harm - a simple plowman or a blacksmith, or a manager or a president. For them, people are all the same, so we must know and use in practice the means that the ancient Slavs invented and used long before us.

Special items existed to protect against deliberate or accidental evil. They were made with a specific purpose - to protect a person from adversity. Therefore, they were called so - amulets. The most common amulets were special symbols in the form of amulets or patterns applied to the body or clothing. But, since the doll was next to a person almost constantly, it also had to perform protective functions.

Doll Happiness is a small doll with a big braid. Our ancestors believed that our strength was stored in the hair. Therefore, such a doll is a powerful talisman that protects a woman from adversity and brings her happiness. The Happiness doll is intended only for women, men were not given it. When making the doll, special attention was paid to the hair, and the braid at the same time turned out to be slightly larger than the figure itself. You can read more about this in the article.

Russian rag ritual doll

Among our ancestors, ceremonies occupied a special place in the way of life. The ceremonies were performed for all the most important events in human life. At the same time, there were public, social rituals involving a large number of people, and personal, secret rituals that did not tolerate the presence of strangers. Almost any ceremony was performed with the participation or in the presence of dolls specially made for this.

The ritual doll, just like the amulet doll, was made to protect against troubles and misfortunes. In some cases, the ritual doll was burned or drowned in water after it had fulfilled its purpose. In others, such dolls could be used all their lives, then both functions were combined in it - ritual and security.

In the format of this article, we will only talk about some of the ritual dolls, because otherwise the article will be huge. you can get it by reading the articles in the "Ritual Doll" category, and you can start with the overview article "".

During the dry season, the best way to bring about the long-awaited rain was a special conspiracy. In this case, it is necessary to act with an assistant, who with all her appearance should symbolize rainy weather. This is how the Russian rag rituals operated. It was made by specially selecting a fabric that resembles rain in color and texture.

One of the most common rites was the Kuwada rite. It was performed during childbirth in order to protect the newborn from the encroachments of an unclean spirit. played a very important role in this.

Likhomanki - several of them were made at once - from 12 to 100. The names of the dolls were given corresponding - Decrepit, Foolish, Glyadeya, Lenei, Nemea, Ledey, Shaking, Dremley, Fire, Wind, Yellow, Avei, etc. These dolls were hung behind the stove, each of them lured the evil spirits by whose name they were named. Therefore, Likhomanok tried to do more. On January 15, every year, the amulet was burned and new Likhomanok were made.

Krupenichka or Zernushka was responsible for the prosperity in the house, the safety of the harvested crop, and the increase in wealth. It was made from a bag of grain, which was used for sowing the following year.

Krupenichka in free performance

The traditional Russian doll is very important in bringing up the best human qualities in a child. It does not provoke aggression, like monstrous monsters and robots that have flooded the shelves in stores. Ragdolls don't program kids for a bohemian lifestyle like the trendy Barbies, Vinks, or Moxies. Our dolls teach spiritual beauty, harmony of human relationships, love for our neighbors, and those who are far away too.

That is why traditional dolls should be in every family, regardless of material well-being or social status... It is necessary to revive the traditions of our ancestors, focused on the upbringing of an integral, morally positive personality. A child who has learned from childhood to love and respect a folk doll will not grow up to be a Nazi or a maniac.

In addition, by making such a doll yourself, you will experience an amazing feeling of joy from creating something at the same time simple and mysterious. In addition, both adults and children like the Russian traditional doll, because only she has such a necessary energy for us with a big plus sign. Spend half an hour of your time making an ordinary simple rag doll and see for yourself.

Like any action, the manufacture of rag folk dolls often relied on various important dates or holidays. That is why there is a calendar for making folk rag doll.
January 19 - Sacrum
February-March (March 22) - Shrovetide
March 9 - Magpies, Birds
April 23 - Fatty Kostromushka
April 30 / May 1 Dolushka
June 3 - Doll for health
June 21/22 Herbalist
June 22 - Doll for health
August 15 - Zernushka (Krupenichka)
October 1 - Ten-Handle, Filippovka,
November 27 - Filippov day - Filippovka.
December 25 - Goat, Spiridon-Solstice
Calendar dates are given according to the old style, so to get the dates of the new style, add 14 to the date.

Spiridon - Solstice

In his hands in front of him, Spiridon holds a wheel - a symbol of the Sun.
The sun gives us wealth, success in any endeavors, a high position in society, cheerfulness and energy.
Spiridon - Solstice endows its owner with the ability to "taxi" out of various situations, while showing solar qualities: responsibility, honesty, nobility and generosity.
It is believed that "Spiridon-Solstice" can radically turn life in the right direction, just by turning the sun! Traditionally, this doll was made on the winter solstice on December 24-25, when the sun turns to summer, winter to frost. that is, the addition of daylight hours. Required Attribute this doll is a wheel symbol of the sun.
Have an important thing in mind - do Spiridon first. This doll will suit any man or teenager. Its owner will keep his destiny in his hands, and he himself will control the events in his life.
It is advisable to put Spiridon in a place visible to the owner in the house (near the workplace or on the east side).

Sacrum
So that during the sacred ablution on January 19, evil forces do not inadvertently enter into someone, they made a substitute doll (Sacrum) and stuck it into the snow at the edge of the ice hole. To attract the attention of the spirits, ribbons were tied to the cross; mainly men and young guys participated in the dressing ceremony, so the Sacrum doll symbolized a man. In some provinces, the sacrum pupa was dipped into an ice-hole. When making the sacrum doll, the girls made wishes and tied ribbons or strings on birch branches.

Christmas angel
Traditionally, this doll was made of thin white natural fabric. Organza and other fancy fabrics can be used. To make an angel, you need to take a square piece of fabric, the size is about 20cmx20cm. But in principle, you can use a size larger or smaller. Ideally, a folk doll is made without scissors and needles. Therefore, the square is not cut out, but is torn off from a piece of fabric, while an even fringe is obtained from the edge, so reminiscent of feathers. This doll is remarkable for its simplicity, speed, and cheapness of manufacture, with all this, it is quite elegant and festive.

Bunny - on - finger
A bunny was made for children from the age of three, so that they had a friend, an interlocutor. The bunny puts on a finger and is always by your side. Parents used to give this toy to their children when they left home, and if you get bored or scared, you can turn to him as a friend, talk to him, complain or just play. This is both a friend and a talisman. Children are very responsive and see a kindred spirit in their favorite toy, open up and talk as if they were a living person.

Ten-pen
The ten-handed is a ritual multi-armed doll. It was made of bast or straw on October 14 on Pokrov, when they sat down to handicraft. In the manufacture, threads are used in red, which is protective. On the bottom of the sundress, 9 red bows are necessarily tied round. The doll was intended to help girls preparing their dowry and women in various activities such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, knitting, etc. Traditionally, after production, it was burned almost immediately. You can hang the doll in a prominent place in the room where the woman spends time at work.

To health
Healing doll "Health" is made only of linen threads, since it is believed that flax is very environmentally friendly by its natural properties and, taking the disease onto itself, helps a person to recover. This doll is not decorated with anything and does not tolerate fuss, but on the contrary, it must be done, trying to stay in a state of goodness as much as possible, concentrating on thoughts of the sick person for whom this is being done.

God's Eye
This is the most ancient protective doll of our ancestors - the Eye of God, or the Eye of God.
The cruciform composition expresses the idea of ​​spreading the forces of good or protecting forces to all four directions of the world "(AB Rybakov," Paganism of Ancient Rus ").

Dolyushka (Lucky Doll)
Whether it was, it was not, only there was once a young woman. She fell ill and lay on her deathbed .... She called Vasilisa, and the girl in red shoes and a white apron knelt by her mother's bed.
“Here’s a doll for you, my dear,” her mother whispered and pulled out from under the woolen blanket a small doll, which, like Vasilisa, was dressed in red shoes, a white apron ...
- Here are my last words, darling, - said the mother. - If you get lost in the forest or you need help, ask the doll what to do. She will help you. Always carry the doll with you, do not tell anyone about it, but if you want to eat, feed it. Here is your mother's covenant and my blessing ...
This tale is about a doll - Dolyushka. Or it is also called the doll of Happiness. She helps you find your path, your purpose in life.

BBW Kostromushka
Fatty Kostromushka was called Feminine essence, she is a talisman from loneliness, her task is to return fertility to a woman, to accept the soul of a child. If within a year after marriage the woman did not become pregnant, they made a doll and put it in a prominent place, from the side of the door. She was sewn by a female relative: sister, godmother, mother or grandmother. When a child appeared in the house, the doll was carried away to the female half and hidden.

Egg-herbalist
This doll is filled with scented medicinal herbs. The doll must be crumpled in the hands, moved, and the herbal spirit will spread around the room, which will drive away the spirits of the disease.

Zernushka (Krupenichka)
The chrysalis, simple in appearance, is a grain, but made with great love, has a deep symbolic meaning. It was usually presented on Kolyada, Christmas and sometimes on harvest-related holidays. The doll was necessarily filled with grain, preferably wheat or grain of all sorts at the same time, so that the harvest was rich in all types of grain crops. In Russia porridge for a long time was the main type of food, since grain has a powerful vitality, is easily digested, available for cultivation in the territory of the Slavs. If it is the land that gives a harvest, it will give birth, then the image that gives this harvest is female.

In the Korovchinsky House of Crafts, craftswomen keep and pass on the secrets of making amulets dolls. They could be seen during the "Dribinsky torzhok".

It is difficult to find a person in whose house there would be no souvenirs. We bring something from trips, friends give something, we just hang something "from the evil eye" or "for good luck." And if we look into the recent past of Belarus, we will find that for any occasions our ancestors created with their own hands amulets with special energy from improvised materials.

She told about the meanings of mascot dolls Valentina V. Moiseeva, Village Crafts House Methodist Korovchino Dribinsky district.

The way of life in Belarus in ancient times largely depended on the season, harvest, natural conditions - some amulets personify this.

"Grain"- a very important symbol among all, it is a symbol of bread. There is grain inside this doll. On the holiday of the Intercession, when the harvest has already been completed, our fellow countrymen collected grain in a bag, decorated it in this way and put it in the house under the icons. "Zernovushki" protected the family from hunger and helped to survive the winter. In the spring, the very first grain to go to the ground from last year's "grain", and at the end of the year they made a new one.

And this - "martinichki". These two figures were woven in March from red and white threads. They symbolize the change of seasons from winter to spring, the victory of the sun, the new harvest season.

Of course, health has always been one of the main values ​​of Belarusians, and if a person fell ill, all means were used. For example, there is doll "for health". It was woven for a sick person from white and red threads, always linen, and laid in his bed. It was believed that she takes illness, bad energy into herself. When a person recovered, the doll was burned.

Have "padarozhnitsy" in the hands of a bundle. They took her with them on the road as a talisman against any misfortune.

Have dolls "for good luck"- long braid. It was believed that the longer it is, the more happiness, therefore, the braids of all such pupae are very long.

Well, another value is family. Its creation is a big step in adult life for a young couple, and there were also figurines for this occasion.

This doll in the shape of a curvy woman - "cabbage". It was used as an element of the game - checking the groom's readiness for the wedding. She was handed to the guy, and he had to crawl under all the clothes and examine the doll's body - whether all the most important is in its place.

When the bride and groom are ready for the wedding, they were presented with such a pair for the holiday itself. Wedding dolls- these are young people in smart, festive clothes, and with them children. Interestingly, the figures have one common hand, as a symbol of the fact that from the day of the wedding they will only go through life together.

This doll is a symbol of wealth and fertility. Obviously depicts a married woman with children. Children and family are the main wealth of our fellow countrymen.

When children appeared in the family, they were protected from evil eyes and diseases. "swaddling clothes"- figurines of babies. Such a figurine was placed in a cradle for a newborn. The purpose is the same as that of the doll "for health" - so that neither the evil eye nor the disease touches the child, but switched to the "diaper".

There is also a legendary master in the Dribinsky region. These two figures are the same person, Dripsha, local craftsman. In the first figurine, he is depicted as a poor, simple man, in poor clothes, in bast shoes. This is how he lived before he began to engage in shapovalism, fishing, which is now the calling card of the Dribinsky region. And already the second figure - boots, good clothes, and life certainly got better, in everything, the hypocrisy helped. By the way, felt boots are also depicted on the emblem of "Dribinsky Torzhok".

Such wonderful traditional figurines are made in Korovchino.

Our ancestors in their amulets embodied worldly wisdom and simple values ​​that will never lose their relevance. And such figures (they can be easily made at home from scrap materials) keep the warmth of our hands and are simply pleasing to the eye. And it's not so much about magical power as about the kind energy of such things. And for advice and a detailed explanation, you can always turn to the craftswomen from the Dribinsky region.