History and culture: Exhibition project “History of the New Year Tree” in the Republic of Adygea

The exhibition project "The History of the New Year Tree" runs at the National Museum of the Republic of Adygea (Maikop).

The history of the New Year Tree - a story about how the tree has become the main symbol of the New Year, as appeared in Russia, as decorated, as changed its appearance depending on the fashion tastes of society, from the change of regime and ideology. Three New Year Trees, presented at the exhibition, will demonstrate characteristic of different historical periods: the 1910s, 1940s and 1980s - Christmas decorations and ornaments, traditional gifts, cards and Christmas recipes.

The exhibition opens with an ancient Christmas tree of Adygs - hawthorn. In accordance with the existing religious beliefs the Adygs were celebrating the New Year from 22 to 23 December, at the longest night of the year. This, in fact, the natural New Year, after which comes the astronomical winter. On this day, the Adygs decorated a peculiar Christmas tree - branch of hawthorn. This plant is considered to be a symbol of fertility among the Adygs. Hawthorn was decorated with ribbons - a symbol of happiness - and candle were set - a symbol of warmth.

Three beautiful New Year Trees are complemented by a rich collection of greeting cards of 1900-1990's, a collection of New Year toys of different periods of history.