The history of Christmas/New Year’s-tree decorations in Russia is a history of the country.
© RIA Novosti . Ilya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe history of Christmas/New Year’s-tree decorations in Russia is a history of the country. Before 1917, there were candies and Christmas balls topped by the Star of Bethlehem. After the revolution, these were replaced by paper aircraft, Red Army soldiers, and the Red Star. During WWII, Christmas trees were decorated with paper snow-flakes and Christmas balls adapted from burned-out light bulbs. The 1960s ushered in glass figurines of cosmonauts and clocks showing five minutes to midnight.
The history of Christmas/New Year’s-tree decorations in Russia is a history of the country. Before 1917, there were candies and Christmas balls topped by the Star of Bethlehem. After the revolution, these were replaced by paper aircraft, Red Army soldiers, and the Red Star. During WWII, Christmas trees were decorated with paper snow-flakes and Christmas balls adapted from burned-out light bulbs. The 1960s ushered in glass figurines of cosmonauts and clocks showing five minutes to midnight.
© RIA Novosti . Ilya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankChristmas balls, the most popular Christmas and New Year decoration, are making a comeback.
Christmas balls, the most popular Christmas and New Year decoration, are making a comeback.
© RIA Novosti . Илья Питалев / Go to the mediabankA painter for the Yelochka Company at work on Christmas-tree decorations.
A painter for the Yelochka Company at work on Christmas-tree decorations.
The decorations are hand-painted.
First the glass ball is made.
The glass-blowing process requires special skill.
© RIA Novosti . Ilya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankA portion of the glass pipe is left to make the painter’s job easier.
A portion of the glass pipe is left to make the painter’s job easier.
© RIA Novosti . Ilya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankThe painting shop at the Yelochka Company’s plant in Klin, Moscow Region.
The painting shop at the Yelochka Company’s plant in Klin, Moscow Region.
© RIA Novosti . Ilya Pitalev / Go to the mediabankChristmas-tree decorations manufactured by Yelochka in Klin, Moscow Region.
Christmas-tree decorations manufactured by Yelochka in Klin, Moscow Region.
© RIA Novosti . Oleg Zoloto / Go to the mediabankThe Ariel Factory’s products: Christmas ball with a rustic landscape.
The Ariel Factory’s products: Christmas ball with a rustic landscape.
© RIA Novosti . Oleg Zoloto / Go to the mediabankChristmas-tree decorations from the Ariel Factory: “Owl.”
Christmas-tree decorations from the Ariel Factory: “Owl.”
A shop at the Ariel Factory in Nizhny Novgorod.
An Ariel painter.