holiday traditions essay

An anthropologist explains why we love holiday rituals and traditions

Associate Professor in Anthropology and Psychology, University of Connecticut

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Dimitris Xygalatas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Connecticut provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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The mere thought of holiday traditions brings smiles to most people’s faces and elicits feelings of sweet anticipation and nostalgia. We can almost smell those candles, taste those special meals, hear those familiar songs in our minds.

Ritual marks some of the most important moments in our lives, from personal milestones like birthdays and weddings to seasonal celebrations like Thanksgiving and religious holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah. And the more important the moment, the fancier the ritual.

Holiday rituals are bursting with sensory pageantry. These (often quite literal) bells and whistles signal to all of our senses that this is no common occasion – it is one full of significance and meaning. Such sensory exuberance helps create lasting recollections of those occasions and marks them in our memory as special events worth cherishing.

Indeed, there are plenty of reasons to value family rituals. Research shows that they can provide various psychological benefits, helping us enjoy ourselves, connect with loved ones and take a respite from the daily grind.

An anxiety buffer

Everyday life is stressful and full of uncertainty. Having a special time of the year when we know exactly what to do, the way we’ve always done it, provides a comfortable sense of structure, control and stability.

From reciting blessings to raising a glass to make a toast, holiday traditions are replete with rituals. Laboratory experiments and field studies show that the structured and repetitive actions involved in such rituals can act as a buffer against anxiety by making our world a more predictable place .

Many of those rituals may of course also be performed at other times throughout the year. But during the holiday season, they become more meaningful. They’re held in a special place (the family home) and with a special group of people (our closest relatives and friends). For this reason, more people travel during the year-end holidays than any other time of the year. Gathering together from far-flung locations helps people leave their worries behind, and at the same time lets them reconnect with time-honored family traditions.

Happy meals

No holiday tradition would be complete without a festive meal. Since the first humans gathered around the fire to roast their hunt, cooking has been one of the defining characteristics of our species.

The long hours spent in the kitchen and the dining room during the preparation and consumption of holiday meals serve some of the same social functions as the hearths of our early ancestors. Sharing a ceremonial meal symbolizes community, brings the entire family together around the table and smooths the way for conversation and connection.

All cultures have rituals that revolve around food and meal preparation. Jewish tradition dictates that all food must be chosen and prepared according to specific rules (Kosher). In parts of the Middle East and India, only the right hand must be used for eating. And in many European countries, it is important to lock eyes while making a toast in order to avoid seven years of bad sex.

Of course, special occasions require special meals. So most cultures reserve their best and most elaborate dishes for the most important holidays. For example, in Mauritius, Tamil Hindus serve the colorful “seven curries” at the conclusion of the Thaipussam kavadi festival, and in Greece families get together to spit-roast an entire lamb on Easter Day. And these recipes often include some secret ingredients – not just culinary, but also psychological.

Research shows that performing a ritual before a meal improves the eating experience and makes the food (even just plain carrots!) seem tastier. Other studies found that when children participate in food preparation they enjoy the food more, and that the longer we spend preparing a meal, the more we come to appreciate it . In this way, the labor and fanfare associated with holiday meals virtually guarantees an enhanced gastronomical experience.

Sharing is caring

It is common to exchange presents during the holiday period. From a rational perspective, this might seem pointless, at best recycling resources or, at worst, wasting them. But don’t underestimate the importance of these exchanges. Anthropologists have noted that among many societies ritualized gift-giving plays a crucial role in maintaining social ties by creating networks of reciprocal relationships.

Today, many families give each other lists of desired presents for the holidays. The brilliance of this system lies precisely in the fact that most people end up getting what they would buy anyway – the money gets recycled but everyone still enjoys the satisfaction of giving and receiving gifts.

And as this is a special time of the year, we can even allow ourselves some guilt-free indulgence. Last year, my wife and I saw a fancy coffee machine that we really liked, but we decided it was too expensive. But in December, we went back and bought it as a mutual present, agreeing that it was OK to splurge a bit for the holidays.

The stuff family is made of

The most important function of holiday rituals is their role in maintaining and strengthening family ties. In fact, for relatives who live far apart, holiday rituals may be the glue that holds the family together.

Ritual is a powerful marker of identity and group membership. Some of my own field studies have found that taking part in collective rituals creates feelings of belonging and increased generosity toward other members of the group. It’s no surprise, then, that spending the holidays with the in-laws for the first time is often regarded as a rite of passage – a sign of true family membership.

Holiday traditions are particularly important for children. Research shows that children who participate in group rituals become more strongly affiliated with their peers. In addition, having more positive memories of family rituals seems to be associated with more positive interactions with one’s own children .

Holiday rituals are the perfect recipe for family harmony. Sure, you might need to take three flights to get there, and they will almost certainly be delayed. And your uncle is bound to get drunk and start a political argument with his son-in-law again. But according to Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman, this is unlikely to spoil the overall experience.

Kahneman’s research shows that when we evaluate past experiences, we tend to remember the best moments and the last moments, paying little attention to everything else. This is known as the “ peak-end rule .”

In other words, our memory of the family holiday will mostly consist of all the rituals (both joyful and silly), the good food, the presents and then hugging everyone goodbye at the end of the night (after your uncle made up with his son-in-law). And by the time you get back home, you’ll have something to look forward to for next year.

• Gift giving
• Christmas food
• Unpredictability
• Predictability
• Holiday meals
• Family meals
• Holiday travel

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Descriptive Essay: Christmas Traditions in My Family

Despite how the modern message may have been diluted down the years, each Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus with traditions drawn from Christianity as well as other ones personal to our own family. Each family I know follows many of the same traditions as we do, however each put their own spin on it and make it their own. My Christmas is special because of these very traditions which we have formed as a family.

The 1st of December is my favorite day in the year because it marks the beginning of my Christmas. On the 1st of December my family and I go to the shops and buy a special new tree decoration. My parents have been collecting Christmas decorations for years and nothing matches on purpose. Christmas spirit is everywhere on the 1st of December, the shops play festive music and are usually decorated down to the last detail. It is this date for me that marks the beginning of the season.

We all put the tree up together the weekend after. We play Christmas music in the background, wear the Santa hats we dug out of the loft and have a drink. After the tree is up, the excessive amount of food has been brought, then the family all come down for the big day. We live all over now so the traditions have had to be adapted slightly. Christmas is the time when we all make the effort to come down at the same time. We go on the 24th of December and play family games all day. We have a buffet dinner which we call an ‘itsy bitsy’ then make our way to midnight mass at the local church.

On Christmas day we wake up early, around 8 a.m. and have breakfast together. We don’t open our presents as soon as we get up as we all agree that we love the anticipation. When we do get round to opening our gifts, after dinner has been put on and the vegetables have been peeled, one of us hands each present out, one at a time.

After presents we all help to get the dinner dished up and the table laid. For dinner we have a turkey with all of the trimmings, we say grace before dinner and then pull our crackers. We have a competition to see who can keep their hat on for the whole day.

After dinner comes the washing up, which we all help with. Then we enjoy family games which we either got that day or we dig out the old classics. The games are my favorite part of the day. It is something which everyone gets involved in and has a great laugh over.

Our family traditions at Christmas have been adapted since people have moved away however, we always make the effort to be together and play games together. Our traditions are much the same as any family; we eat, we give gifts and be merry.

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History of Christmas

By: History.com Editors

Updated: December 21, 2022 | Original: October 27, 2009

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25—Christmas Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

How Did Christmas Start?

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus , early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Christmas in Photos

Saturnalia and Christmas 

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, enslaved people were given temporary freedom and treated as equals. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could participate in the holiday's festivities.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

Is Christmas Really the Day Jesus Was Born?

In the early years of Christianity , Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. 

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages , Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion.

On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras . Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

When Christmas Was Cancelled

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims , English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston . Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution , English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Washington Irving Reinvents Christmas in America

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s piqued American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent. , a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving’s fictitious celebrants enjoyed “ancient customs,” including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving’s book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended—in fact, many historians say that Irving’s account actually “invented” tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

'A Christmas Carol'

Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol . The story’s message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to “spoil” them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

Who Invented Santa Claus?

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey around A. D. 280. St. Nicholas gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick, becoming known as the protector of children and sailors.

St. Nicholas first entered American popular culture in the late 18th century in New York, when Dutch families gathered to honor the anniversary of the death of “Sint Nikolaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas), or “Sinter Klaas” for short. “Santa Claus” draws his name from this abbreviation.

In 1822, Episcopal minister Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem called “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known today by it’s first line: “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.” The poem depicted Santa Claus as a jolly man who flies from home to home on a sled driven by reindeer to deliver toys.

The iconic version of Santa Claus as a jolly man in red with a white beard and a sack of toys was immortalized in 1881, when political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Moore's poem to create the image of Old Saint Nick we know today.

Christmas Facts

• Each year, 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are about 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States, and trees usually grow for between four and 15 years before they are sold.
• In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties.
• When Christmas was cancelled: From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston , and law-breakers were fined five shillings.
• Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.
• The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith’s 1607 Jamestown settlement .
• Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828.
• The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.
• Rudolph , “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.
• Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

HISTORY Vault: the Christmas Truce

World War I was a brutal slog. But on Christmas Eve 1914, something remarkable happened: British and German troops stopped fighting, and came together to share holiday cheer.

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What rituals help you mark the holidays or reflect on the year?

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The Morning Newsletter recently asked Times readers about their holiday rituals, and we liked the question so much we’re asking it too.

What specific things do you do with family, friends, your school, your church or other communities you are a part of to mark the holidays, or to reflect on the year? Why are these things meaningful to you?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to see what other Times readers said.

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Tradition — Holidays: Before and Now

Holidays: before and Now

• Categories: Christmas Tradition

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Words: 650 |

Published: Sep 16, 2023

Words: 650 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Holiday traditions of the past, changing societal norms, technology's influence on holidays, modern holiday trends, conclusion: the continuity of celebration.

• Religious Observances: Many holidays were tied to religious events and rituals. Christmas, Easter, Eid, and Diwali, for example, were celebrated with solemnity and devotion, often involving church or temple services and prayers.
• Agricultural Festivals: In agrarian societies, holidays like harvest festivals marked the culmination of hard work in the fields. These celebrations were an occasion for farmers to relax and share the fruits of their labor.
• Community Gatherings: Holidays provided an opportunity for people to come together as a community. Festivals often featured communal meals, dances, and other shared activities.
• Industrialization and Work: The industrial revolution brought about changes in work patterns, with many people no longer tied to agrarian cycles. As a result, holidays shifted from agrarian and religious observances to include days off from factory and office jobs.
• Consumerism and Commercialization: Holidays became more commercialized with the rise of consumer culture. Marketing and advertising encouraged gift-giving, decorating, and shopping, making holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day major retail events.
• Travel and Mobility: Improved transportation allowed people to travel more easily during holidays, leading to the popularization of vacations and trips. Families started to explore new destinations or visit relatives during holiday breaks.
• Communication: Technology has made it easier to stay connected with loved ones during holidays, even when physically distant. Video calls, social media , and messaging apps allow people to share their holiday experiences in real-time.
• Entertainment: Technology has transformed holiday entertainment. Streaming services offer a vast array of holiday-themed movies and shows, and video games often release special holiday content.
• Shopping: Online shopping has revolutionized holiday gift-buying. People can now purchase gifts from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the crowds and stress associated with traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
• Personalization: Modern holidays often emphasize personalization. People seek unique experiences and gifts that reflect their individuality and values.
• Globalization: In an interconnected world , people often incorporate international elements into their holiday celebrations. Cultural diversity is celebrated, and global cuisine is embraced.
• Sustainability: There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of holidays. Sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly decorations and gifts, are becoming more popular.

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Essay on Holiday for Students and Children

500+ words essay on holiday.

Holidays are very important parts of everyone’s life, be it a student or a working person. Everyone deserves to take a break from the monotony to rejuvenate and maintain their health. Holidays help us do exactly that.

Other than that, a holiday allows us to complete all our pending work. Nowhere will you find a person who dislikes holidays. From a school going toddler to your house help, everyone looks forward to holidays and see them as a great opportunity to relax and enjoy .

Importance of Holidays for Students

When one thinks about what a holiday means for students, we notice how important it is for the kids. It is a time when they finally get the chance to take a break from studies and pursue their hobbies.

They can join courses which give them special training to specialize in it. They can get expert in arts, craft, pottery, candle making and more. Furthermore, they also make new friends there who have the same interests.

In addition, students get to visit new places on holiday. Like during summer or winter holidays , they go with their families to different cities and countries. Through holidays, they get new experiences and memories which they remember for a lifetime.

Furthermore, it also gives them time to relax with their families. Other cousins also visit each other’s places and spend time there. They play games and go out with each other. Moreover, students also get plenty of time to complete their homework and revise the syllabus.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Holidays for Working People

Holidays for working people are somewhat similar to what they mean for students. In fact, they carry more importance to them than students. Though they are adults, they also yearn for the holidays. Why so? They do not get as many holidays as students do.

Most importantly, the holiday no matter how little it gives them a great chance to relax. More so because they work tirelessly for so many hours a day without a break. Some even work when they get home. This makes their schedule very hectic and gives them little time to rest. A holiday fills the gap for this rest.

Read 500 Words Essay on Summer Vacation

Similarly, due to such a hectic schedule working people get less time to spend with their family. They get distanced from them. Holidays are the perfect chance to strengthen their bonds and make amends.

In other words, a working person needs holidays for the smooth functioning of life. Without holidays they will face pressure and won’t be able to be productive when they work non-stop. After all, when a person earns, they must spend it on something recreational from time to time so they also remain happy and work happily.

Thus, we see how holidays play an important role in maintaining a great balance between our work and play. We must try to make the most of the holidays and spend them wisely so we do not waste time. Never waste a holiday as they are very few in number where you can actually, rest or utilize it properly.

Q.1 What importance does a holiday hold?

A.2 A holiday is one of the most important parts of anyone’s life. It brings joy and comfort to everyone. Everyone loves holidays as they give them time to relax and enjoy themselves with their families.

Q.2 How can one spend their holidays?

A.2 There are many ways to spend a holiday. You can pursue your hobby and take professional classes to master the art. Furthermore, you may also travel the world and discover new places and experiences to get more exposure.

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Christmas: The Favorite Holiday Tradition Of All Essay Examples

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Topic: Children , Christmas , Time , World , Jesus Christ , Family , Love , Christians

Published: 03/14/2020

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Christmas is the best holiday ever. For me Christmas is a holy day and a holiday at the same time. For Christians it is a very important religious day and one celebrated in America for the six holy feast days. It is major holiday recognized by the U.S public institutions, including school and government offices. Many people was given by their offices the day off for Christmas season. Christmas has been my favorite holiday always. Mind you, not just my favorite, it is the best time of the year for everyone. There is something good happening about the season, one is the cool weather, you smell the spirit of Christmas is coming, specially you see the decorations in the mall and hear the wonderful Christmas music they are playing. I think it’s about time to buy something to decorate my house. The Christmas tree and it’s decoration, the glittering of Christmas lights. It is so beautiful when you see the trees, the ribbons, the garlands and Christmas lanterns around every lamp post. Nothing can beat the loaded window displays, face it, the decorations are fantastic. The Christmas excitement comes to me every time I visit the department stores filled with the beautiful songs of Christmas. Need I say more? I’m a big fan of wrapping presents and mixing along with plenty of people buying things for Christmas. It’s nice to find the perfect gift for someone, then seeing their reaction when ripping open the wrapping paper. Despite of the mixed feeling in shopping, times comes when people get mad at the grumpy retailer, but after the tiredness of walking around and looking around with something to buy, you will realized afterward that is the joy of Christmas, the giving time. This season is magical to me. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else. Christmas is the only time of the year when family come together, friends and neighbors where we can share the delicious foods, giving gifts to everyone and sharing the happiness and feeling the love we can share to one another. It makes me feel so grateful to have them in my life. Dozens of foods coming from the neighbors, holiday treats besides fruitcake are mouth watering. Especially when family and friends cuddle up on your living room with hot cocoa and mini marshmallows, some eggnog and Christmas cookies and watch those great Christmas movies to get in the holiday spirit. Here is some background about Christmas. It is the birth of Jesus Christ who Christians believe is the son of God. Because there are so small public information about His early life, His birthdate is unknown. Many Scholars have disagreement when Jesus was actually born. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, but Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on or near January 7.+ The Celebration of the birth of the “True Light of the World” was set at the time of December Solstice, when Northern Hemisphere began to have more hours of sunlight. Christmas day is so special for children. They believe in Santa Clause, the father Christmas, who provide Christmas presents for children, the gifts the kids mostly desire, there are kids who write a letter to Santa Claus a few weeks before Christmas to receive the gifts they are longing for. For some cultures, Christmas is a very exclusive family affair that unites the relatives travelling from different geographic regions at this time of the year. It is a festive holidays in many countries around the world. People in various countries blend their cultural traditions with plenty of universal celebration for Christmas. Many households have decorated Christmas trees weather fake or real. Everything around the neighborhood is brightly lit all night and the whole blocks look so pretty and alive. Christmas is celebrated all over the world even though there are world issues that disunite people and nations. Many churches have special services with special programs on Christmas Day. Some of it includes joyous singing of certain groups and choir and a wonderful fellowship after the church service. This is the time for love, giving and sharing. Isn’t it the best holiday ever?

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Material Witnesses in Moscow

Introduction.

• Naïve Matryoshka
• Presidential Matryoshka
• Khokhloma Spoon
• Beresta Boxes
• Moscow-Themed Postcards and Souvenirs
• Izmailovo District
• Vernisazh People
• - Introduction
• - About Us
• - Naïve Matryoshka
• - Presidential Matryoshka
• - Znachki
• - Khokhloma Spoon
• - Beresta Boxes
• - Moscow-Themed Postcards and Souvenirs
• - Izmailovo District
• - Vernisazh People

Khokhloma Spoon: Spiritualized Sustenance

Looking closely at this little spoon reveals a story of synthesis, the harmonious blending of craft techniques and forms of expression practiced by refugees fleeing persecution and the locals who welcomed them, a style originating in settings both secular and sacred. The centuries-old technique known as khokhloma (accent on the last syllable) used to create this spoon, an ingenious art of illusion that transforms humble wood into precious metal, is a key example of art arising under harsh conditions, in times of scarcity and official oppression; as such, it is a microcosm of Russian art throughout its history.

The colors of the spoon evoke the “gold in azure” of religious icons as well as the flora and fauna of the natural world. The blue color flows around the gold designs akin to the rivers that were crucial for the creation of khokhloma: the workshops where the style arose were situated along rivers in the trans-Volga region of Russia whose water powered the lathes used for turning the wood; rivers then served as trade routes along which khokhloma wares traveled (khokhloma is named for the settlement that served as the starting point for its trade). The gold designs depicting plants, berries, and woodland creatures celebrate the natural bounty of the forests along those rivers where the craftspeople who first created khokhloma found refuge and sustenance, both physical and spiritual.

Description

This wooden spoon is 5.5 inches long, a bit larger than an average teaspoon. The rounded handle is straight and has a pointed end; it narrows slightly as it approaches the rounded oval bowl of the spoon. The color scheme is deep blue and light-catching gold: the handle is mostly gold, with the end of it painted blue; the bowl of the spoon is blue, covered with delicate gold flower, leaf, and berry designs. Looking closely reveals a bird perched on the plant stem that runs diagonally across the bowl of the spoon. The designs on the front and back are virtually identical, with the one on the inside of the bowl just a bit smaller given the smaller space that it occupies. That distinctive floral design is instantly recognizable to Russians as the khokhloma style. Yet the color scheme of this spoon swaps blue for the expected red, so the object is traditional and innovative at the same time.

How Are Objects Such as These Used?

This spoon is a souvenir that is also food-safe. One of our émigré interlocutors told us that she recalled eating with such painted spoons as a child, so these ornamental objects were a part of everyday life. Silver spoons were already being used in Kievan Rus at the end of the tenth century. Soon after Prince Vladimir baptized his people in 998, he instituted the rule that his courtiers eat not with their hands, but with specially designated implements, as part of his overall campaign to raise their cultural level. The Primary Chronicle describes the Prince’s retinue ( druzhina ) complaining about having to eat with wooden rather than silver spoons.

It became customary to carry one’s own personal spoon (sometimes a knife as well) in a special case or simply tucked inside one’s belt or boot. This practice gave rise to numerous sayings, such as “a thrifty guest never goes anywhere without a spoon.” Another saying, “one with a plow and seven with a spoon” ( odin s soshkoi, semero s lozhkoi ) referred to the peasantry feeding the parasitical upper classes, and inspired a revolutionary poster depicting the beleaguered peasant and his exploiters.

In Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s 1962 novel One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich , the protagonist, a savvy peasant trying to survive the gulag, has a spoon that he carries inside his boot and uses it to get every last drop of life-sustaining prison porridge: “That spoon was precious, it had traveled all over the north with him. He’d cast it himself from aluminum wire in a sand mold and scratched on it [the name of the prison camp]: ‘Ust-Izhma, 1944.’”

Spoons are not only used for eating in Russia; wooden spoons in particular play a crucial role in khokhloma icon painting, an art form suppressed in Soviet times but now revived in the town of Semyonov. Elena Komarova writes: “the paints are ground by hand, a process in which the famous Semyonov wooden spoon is essential. Neither porcelain nor plastic vessels are suitable for pulverizing the pigments, because the surface of the spoon must be rough. A natural dye is placed into the spoon; the painter adds a mixture of water and egg yolk, then mixes everything with her finger.”

For centuries, spoons have also served as musical instruments in Russia. The Eastern Slavs may have come up with the idea of using spoons in this way during holiday festivities when guests would grab whatever potential noise-maker was at hand—spoons but also forks, pots, pans, basins, or samovar pipes. (The scythe and the saw took on a musical function as well.) Spoons were widely used as instruments among the peasantry, and some scholars speculate that Russians using spoons to produce music found inspiration in Spanish castanets. Lubki from the 18 th and 19 th centuries depict the wandering minstrels known as skomorokhi wielding musical spoons embellished with jingle bells.

Another lubok, depicting a goat and a bear merry-making with musical instruments, shows the goat holding bell-adorned spoons.

Musical wooden spoons are made from more durable types of wood than those used for eating; they also have longer handles that are sometimes decorated with bells. Typically a performer will secure two spoons between the fingers of the left hand and strike them with the third spoon. Sometimes the technique is more elaborate, involving five spoons, including one tucked into a boot top, all played by a single performer. By the 19 th century, spoons were widely featured in choruses and folk ensembles.

Video of a Russian spoon player ( lozhechnik , from lozhka = spoon)

Among Russians, spoons have such a strong association with music that a lawyer named Rustam Nugmanov from the town of Elektrostal’ invented a musical instrument he called “victory spoons” that were manufactured to be used by Russian soccer fans during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Nugmanov wanted Russians to have their own “national fan accessory” akin to the vuvuzela whose sound was inescapable during the 2010 World Cup matches in South Africa. He said, “in Russia we have no national musical instrument or craft object designed for fans that would reflect the extraordinary richness of Russian culture.” Nugmanov’s instrument takes the form of a letter V-shaped holder into which two wooden spoons are inserted that can then be clacked together. Nugmanov was pleasantly surprised to receive a million-ruble (around $17,000) grant from President Putin to help him develop the invention. It is a curious object, but maybe less so when one considers the hybridity that is essential to much of Russian culture. The wooden spoons appear emblematically Russian; yet it is an international object as well—as Nugmanov says, “this instrument is a symbol of victory because its shape recalls the Latin letter V, from the word “ victoria .”

Reflections

The Old Believer origin story of khokhloma is about artists fleeing faith-based prosecution and finding a secular outlet for icon painting techniques, and thereby discovering a visual style that has enriched the world of design. Icon painters facing an analogous predicament under the enforced atheism of the Soviet regime discovered another way to channel their techniques into a new a new art form, the black lacquer boxes named palekh for the village where the craft originated. Igor, the wood sculptor and amateur historian, shared the latter story with us at the Vernisazh. It is a narrative that many Russians hold dear about art evolving and even flourishing under oppressive conditions.

Elena told us that nowadays young people come to the market not planning to buy anything, but find themselves attracted to the khokhloma wares, themselves not knowing why; it is that gold glow that draws them in. She said that the gold color was used in icons so that viewers could feel warmth coming from them. We had not thought of that before, having always just associated gold with wealth. But then, gold signifies both: warmth and wealth. The Russian word for the latter, bogatstvo, means both financial wealth and natural abundance—the riches of the earth. (Indeed bogatstvo derives from the same root as bog, “god.”) And that is appropriate, as the natural motifs on khokhloma wares celebrate the gifts of the earth, specifically the forest that sustains humans when agriculture comes up short. The forest has also sustained them spiritually by giving shelter from persecution, allowing people to worship as they choose.

In her book Heart-Pine Russia , Jane Costlow details how Old Believers, outlaws, and others found refuge in forests. In her account, Russians’ relationship to the forest—which we could extend to nature as a whole –was that “of both affection and need, in which humans’ dependence on resources (for fire, warmth, building materials) often exists in uneasy tension with more obviously emotional or symbolic associations” (7) [emphasis in original]. Costlow speaks of the forest as an icon of Russian national identity, as attested by cultural production from classic novels of the nineteenth century to the late Soviet village prose and Nikita Mikhalkov’s 1999 blockbuster film The Barber of Siberia . The opening credits of the latter work show “endless woodland,” while the plot “imagines Russia’s vast natural resources as prey to conniving Americans” (214). The film’s title refers both to the profession that the patriotic protagonist takes up at the end of his narrative arc—he becomes a barber after being exiled to Siberia—and to an American-invented tree cutting machine seemingly inspired by the rapacious “super axe hacker” in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax which we see devouring a Siberian forest in a horrific sequence.

Costlow cites an 1844 account of a Russian estate that “enumerates fifty-one categories of products … from local forests –everything from linden bark stripped for peasant shoes and birch for canisters, to tar, elm ashes, and willow bark. Game, honey, berries, mushrooms—all were essential and sustaining ‘gifts’ of the forest economy… The symbolic rituals of rural life also depended on woodlands, including seasonal rites [that] involved gathering the boughs of young birches to decorate homes and the village church.” (87) This ritual use of the trees underscores the intertwining of nature and spiritual expression whose emblem we can see in the khokhloma icon-and-nature inspired design.

The color scheme of our khokhloma spoon brings to mind a juxtaposition in the title of a 1904 book of poetry by Russian Symbolist Andrei Bely: Gold in Azure —two colors prominently featured in sacred icons that represented exuberance and affirmation for the poet. In 1933, Bely glossed the colors in the title as follows: “Standing amidst hilly plains and seeking oblivion, I spent hours studying the colors of the fields, and wrote verse about them. I called my book of poems Gold in Azure . ‘Gold’ refers to the ripened grain fields, and ‘azure’ to the air.” In his formative years as a poet, Bely believed that art should not merely depict the world, but that the world should strive to resemble art; that the poet glimpses the mythical in the everyday, and can see the world in its ideal, transfigured state. That is why the sky in his verse is not merely blue, but “azure”—the color of the transcendent realm. The sun in some of Bely’s poems, and fields of grain in others, are not simply yellow, but gold—the color of haloes signifying divinity in icons.

Russian has two opposed words for existence that lack analogues in English. As Svetlana Boym explains in her book Common Places: Mythologies of Everyday Life in Russia , byt refers to everyday, earthbound life (at times it has a pejorative connotation and translates as “the daily grind”) while bytie signifies a more lofty, spiritual form of being. The spoon, a quintessential object of byt , has been elevated by Elena’s design. Elena said that she was catering to her customers in creating the blue/gold color scheme of her spoon, and yet that choice led her back to the color juxtaposition of religious icons that inspired the Symbolist poets and, before them, the icon painters who had developed the khokhloma style 300 years ago. In this humble little household implement designated for the most basic of human activities needed for survival, we catch a glimpse of sky and sun, of sacred painting, and of the desire to transcend mere material existence.

• Stuart King, “Khokhloma Ware: Folk Art for the Masses”: https://www.stuartking.co.uk/index.php/khokhloma-ware-folk-art-for-the-masses/ .
• Russia I-C: Khokhloma Painting: http://www.russia-ic.com/culture_art/visual_arts/967/#.WYmqgIjys2w .
• https://www.languagemagazine.com/2013/07/alaska-home-to-rare-russian-dialect/
• https://ria.ru/20130527/939773935.html#ixzz2UZQTX8gI
• https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/05/a-17th-century-russian-community-living-in-21st-century-alaska/275440/
• Undergraduate senior thesis on Russian language evolution in Alaska: http://www.ninilchikrussian.com/documents/Alaskan%20Russian_Final%20draft.pdf .
• Article depicting a variety of khokhloma tattoos; includes a two-minute video showing more examples: https://tattoosalon.moscow/stili-tatu/hohloma .
• Spoons as a musical instrument: http://folkinst.narod.ru/lozki.html
• https://daily.afisha.ru/news/6758-v-rossii-pridumali-nacionalnyy-instrument-bolelschika-lozhki-pobedy/
• Article with brief video about the production and use of the victory spoons: https://360tv.ru/news/kultura/lozhki-pobedy-kak-vygljadit-ofitsialnyj-muzykalnyj-instrument-chm2018/
• Andrei Bely on the origin of “Gold in Azure”: http://biography.5litra.ru/8-andrej-belyj-biografiya.html .
• Boym, Svetlana. Common Places: Mythologies of Everyday Life in Russia . Harvard UP, 1994.
• Costlow, Jane T. Heart-Pine Russia: Walking and Writing the Nineteenth-Century Forest . Cornell UP, 2012.
• Ely, Christopher. This Meager Nature: Landscape and National Identity in Imperial Russia . Northern Illinois UP, 2002.
• Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich . Translated by H.T. Willetts, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2014.

This illuminating  photo essay  contains historical images of the  budyonovka  hat, which it turns out was originally designed by artist Viktor Vasnetsov for the tsar’s army and modeled on the helmet of the Russian epic heroes known as the  bogatyrs .

Openwork refers to ornamental patterns of openings created using various materials.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Sights of Elektrostal: the history of the city, what to see, photos and reviews

Table of contents:, history of the city, attractions, engineering plant, church of the righteous john of kronstadt, city recreation and culture park, cinema gallery, avangard paintball club.

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Elektrostal is a fairly large industrial city, which is located near the Vokhonka River and almost 40-50 km from the eastern part of Moscow. There are a lot of powerful factories here, where many residents of Elektrostal work. They are perfectly combined with the most beautiful green boulevards, streets and parks, bright lawns and flower beds that adorn almost the entire town. It is picturesque due to amazing reservoirs and forests. It is worth learning more about the main attractions of Elektrostal, photos of which are in the article.

The city was founded in 1916 thanks to the construction of a metallurgical plant. Previously, this place was the natural boundary of Calm. To start construction, the labor of local peasants was used. In the middle of 1925 herebuilt the first railway line that connected Elektrostal with Moscow. After the onset of 1938, the village turned into a separate city.

It is noteworthy that during the Great Patriotic War, the Electrostal plants produced ammunition that was needed for victory. In particular, it is worth noting the production of the legendary Katyushas.

A new stage for the factories of the city began after the invention of atomic weapons. The local plant was on the list of the main production facilities of the nuclear industry. This led to the fact that in 1954 the production of fuel was launched, which was used for the operation of nuclear power plants.

In 1963, the cultural center "October" was built, and this was done by the masters of the Novo-Kramatorsky plant, named after Stalin. It featured a spacious auditorium that could seat more than 850 people, as well as a unique revolving stage for actors to change scenery in seconds.

At different times, eminent creative groups performed in this cultural center, as well as the Beryozka ensemble, famous at that time. It is noteworthy that even in our time the cultural center is actively functioning, and the square in front of it is considered the most beautiful place in Elektrostal with fountains operating in the summer. In mid-2013, it received the status of a city of labor and military glory.

There are many numerous monuments in the city that tell about the history of this amazing place: a monument to Nikolai Vtorov -the founder of the famous plant "Elektrostal" near the House of Culture, a monument to Tevosyan - the chief engineer, monuments to M. Gorky and K. Marx, a sculpture "Steelworker", a monument to Korneev - Hero of the Soviet Union, as well as a memorial and a monument to soldiers who died in Afghanistan and on North Caucasus.

This is a fairly large and old factory in the city that specializes in the production of fuel for local gas stations. The plant is part of the structure of the company FC "TVEL" of the state corporation "Rosatom". The General Director of the enterprise is O. L. Sedelnikov.

This plant produces nuclear fuel, which is used by many nuclear power plants, transport power plants and research reactors, not only in Russia, but also in other European countries. The company has quality certificates OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001.

The museum of the plant presents its history, shows old photographs of the streets of the city, there are achievements of workers, as well as photos of significant people, there are many of the most interesting models produced at the machine-building plant. It also stores presentations showing the principles of the enterprise.

This temple - a landmark of Elektrostal - is a single-dome centric church, which is made in the style of Byzantine times. It was erected in the 20th century, in the immediate vicinity of St. Andrew's Church. The temple was designed by T. V. Trubnikov and V. A. Drozdov, according to the developments of which the iconostasis and interior were exactly designed.

The church plays the role of a baptismal church and belongs to the Moscow diocese. The main shrines of the church are the most ancient and valuable icons of Nikandor Gorodnoyezersky and the Great Martyr Panteleimon. In addition, particles of the relics of saints are kept here. Divine services are held in the temple only during religious holidays.

The local park - a landmark of Elektrostal is an ideal place where everyone can stay alone with nature, ride numerous attractions, and also spend time playing slot machines. The park is especially popular in the summer - it is full of families, youth companies and couples in love.

Especially for the summer in 2013, the park was re-planned, which made it possible to accommodate more modern entertainment and interesting playgrounds for young visitors. Swimmers will love the dragon and swans, and trampolines have been installed for more active children.

It is noteworthy that the prices in the local park are quite affordable: the cost of a ticket for various attractions ranges from 30-100 rubles. Today it is called "Wonder Park", and it is divided into a quieter "Quiet Alley" and "Entertainment Alley", where there is an inexpensive cafe, a summer stage, and also quite a lot ofattractions.

This cinema is very popular, so it can be called a landmark of Elektrostal. It is located in the shopping center "Elgrad" and consists of 5 spacious halls that can accommodate more than 800 people. To show 2D and 3D films, only modern equipment is used: Dolby Digital Surround EX and MasterImage acoustics, as well as huge screens with a special coating. In all cinema halls, very comfortable conditions for visitors were created: climate control and soft chairs.

In the foyer of the Cinema Gallery there is a play area, a fairly spacious cafe, fast food establishments (Suneki, Tashir-pizza, Rostiks, Kebab-tun, etc.) and popcorn- bar. This is an attractive local leisure center, where the residents of Elektrostal are shown all the latest cinema.

This is a whole complex where you can spend your free time pleasantly and profitably. In addition to the playgrounds, which are fully equipped for playing laser tag and paintball, guests are invited to visit a local cafe where delicious home-cooked dishes are prepared, a banquet menu, karaoke, as well as a relaxing sauna with a warm font.

What do tourists who have visited the city say? It is not tourist, but industrial. Attractions are quite specific, but overall interesting. Tourists were pleased with low prices.

Looking at the photo of the sights of the city of Elektrostal, you may want to go there and spendunforgettable weekend.

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