Children made the bird of happiness with their own hands at the Vitebsk Regional Methodological Center of Folk Art
The "Winter Fairy Tale" festival for the pupils of the Vitebsk City Socio-Pedagogical Center, held on the eve of Christmas, took place within the framework of the republican New Year's charity event "Our Children".
There were not only Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, and traditional fairy-tale characters. The children were told the main Christmas story – the birth of Jesus Christ. The folk puppet theater
"KapelyuSH" of the Novopolotsk Center for Crafts and Traditional Culture transported the young viewers to the past, presenting the play "King Herod". On the same day, guests also got acquainted with other nativity play theaters of the Vitebsk region, which are currently presented in the center's exhibition.One of the most memorable events for the children was a master class on straw weaving. The staff of the institution revealed the secrets of working with this sunny material and told about the history of straw weaving as a traditional form of folk art. Also, with the help of professionals, each child made a straw bird, which, according to Belarusian symbolism, signifies the fulfillment of desires, luck, and hope for the best. The children kept their crafts as souvenirs, so that all their dreams would come true. In addition to this souvenir, the children received many other gifts. The conclusion of
"Winter's Tale" featured a sweet table.This celebration has been organized for children from social institutions for several years now by the Vitebsk Regional Center for Folk Art and the regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union. As noted by Larisa Olenskaya, Deputy Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee and Chairperson of the regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union, it is important for children to spend their Christmas days in an interesting and beneficial way, to get acquainted with the work of the folk art center, the works of local artisans, and most importantly, to feel the love and care of adults.
Natalya Ryzhkova, "Vitebskiye Vesti"