Mass Media Overview
The City of Vologda: Faces and Laces
29.03.2017 10:59
http://rbth.com/
By Gazeta Russa
Vologda is the capital of Vologda oblast. It is located on the Vologda river, the right confluent of the Sukhona river (the Northern Dvina basin), 460 km to the north-west off Moscow, 600 km to the south-west off Saint Petersburg.
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda is a Russian Orthodox cathedral, the oldest building in the city that has survived since 16th century.
1147 is considered to be the year of Vologda's foundation.
In 2000 a pearl of Vologda Oblast - St.Ferapont monastery, with its frescoes by Dionysius, was included into the World Heritage List of the UNESCO.
Vologda is one of the best preserved cities of Russia combining traditional wooden architecture and stone monuments.
Among 116 historical cities of Russia only 16 managed to preserve monuments of wooden architecture. Vologda is one of them.
The Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin became a prototype for the central cathedral of Vologda.
The painting technique of the Vologda Sophia Cathedral is similar to those used in other 17th century cathedrals decorated with Yaroslavl artists' frescoes.
Most of the scenes in the frescoes are devoted to Jesus Christ. The painting of the dome space is traditional for Byzantine and Orthodox cathedrals.
In Vologda there are 193 monuments of architecture and history th are designated as cultural monuments of federal significance.
About 10,000 years ago the land of the modern Vologda Region was beneath a glacier.
When the glacier retreated, a hilly landscape and Lake Kubenskoye were formed.
Vologda citizens are used to agriculture, cattle breeding, fishing and hunting. They were known also as skilful handicraftsmen: they practiced domestic weaving and sewing, manufacturing of tools, objects of everyday life, ceramics.
The trademarks of Vologda and the main local souvenirs are the Vologda laces, the Vologda butter, and the Vologda flax.
In their everyday and cultural life today’s Vologda Region villagers largely follow the traditions and pursue the crafts of their ancestors.
In Vologda settlements you can still hear old local monotonous songs and see a traditional round dance “Kruzhka” (a mug).
Music traditions are still alive in the Vologda region. A big festivity can hardly go without a harmonica melodies and chastushkas (humorous rhymes).
A harmonica player was always respected by local people.
Celebration of the Vologda's anniversary.
Traditional festivals includes dancing, arranging feasts and concerts of folklore groups.
It is a playground with a number of traditional games and entertainments, a swing, "giant strides".
Vologda is the motherland of the rare epic and musical folklore, as well as the richest original culture that is passed from generation to generation.
In 2010 a Museum of Lace opened its doors in Vologda. Its classroom offers lace-making courses.
The Museum’s main exposition is dedicated to the origins and development of the Vologda Region’s traditional craft and global trends in lace-making.
The main exposition features over 500 items.
Among other Vologda products laces have become a popular souvenir.
Vologda is one of Russia's few cities with a harmonious blend of ancient and modern strata.