Russia is a vast country that can impress not only with its vast territories, but also with its diverse nature. Traveling along it, you might think that you have already traveled half the world. Fascinating landscapes, transparent lakes, unusual animals and atmospheric ethnicity. All this leaves a deep imprint on the heart of every traveler who has been fortunate enough to visit her territory at least once and see what are unofficial symbols of Russia. Some elements of wildlife and wildlife there are so common that they rightfully began to be considered unofficial symbols of the Russian Federation.
Birch - tree revered by the Slavs
One such symbol is birch. This is really a favorite tree of the native Russian people. Why is birch an unofficial symbol of Russia? For a long time poems, songs and various proverbs were composed about her. Birch very often appears in Russian fairy tales, so such unofficial symbols of the Russian land are understandable even to young children of preschool age. That is why, from infancy, unofficial symbols of Russia for children have become close and dear.
And what a significant place this tree occupies in artistic culture, namely the visual arts! Artists, one after another, painted pictures with the image of this thin and delicate tree. In general, as you might have guessed, there is no dearer tree to the Russian soul than birch. What is the famous song “Why are birch trees so noisy in Russia”! In folklore, writers often compared a tree to a slender beautiful girl and her romantic nature.
The symbol of eternal spring and life
From time immemorial, such unofficial symbols of Russia as birch trees have been considered the patronesses and ancestors of all living things. This is largely reflected in the daily life of the people. The letter was often written precisely on birch bark; the house was lit by nothing more than a birch torch. The juice of this tree was not only very tasty, but also healing. Both young and old loved to drink it. The amount of vitamins contained in it significantly strengthened the immune system and health. Well, what about without a Russian bath? Without it, Russia cannot be imagined. And they went there with birch brooms, which were considered the best for all recreational purposes.
Why did birch become an unofficial symbol of Russia?
If we talk about ancient traditions, it can be noted that the celebration of various holidays in Mother Russia was not complete without the participation of this graceful tree. For example, now Russians celebrate New Year in winter, and for this purpose they are most like evergreen spruce, but earlier the calendar year for the Slavs did not begin at all from winter, but from spring, therefore the tree was corresponding - birch. Just during this period, the day became much longer, and people after the winter with renewed vigor began agricultural work and at the same time thanked the unofficial symbols of Russia in the form of trees.
Old Slavic name migrated to the harmonious Ukrainian language
Around this spring time, when everything came to life, the birch also blossomed. It is noteworthy that the ancient Russian name of one of the spring months - berezozol - is also inextricably linked with the flowering of this symbolic plant. After the XV century, the month was renamed to March, and the old name migrated to the neighboring Ukrainian language (which also has Slavic roots), and the month became known as “birch tree”. Unofficial symbols of Russia - birch trees - are especially beautiful at this time of year. They absorbed all the greenery and freshness of the spring months. The hot summer has not come yet, and they have not had time to become covered with dust, they are standing near the road - the green and romantic unofficial national symbols of Russia.
The tree as the patron saint of all the girls
One of the ancient legends says that the Slavs for a long time believed in the existence of various mythical creatures such as aquatic, mermaids and spirits. To protect themselves from their influence, they worshiped the goddess Beregin, who, as they believed, was the ancestor of all living things in Russia (or Earth). And they worshiped her precisely in the image of a birch, which even then was considered a sacred tree. During the next such celebration, the tree was dressed in a traditional women's outfit and amicably led noisy round dances around her until the very night.
Girls were especially kind to the tree as a symbol of female beauty and a good share. They talked with her, sang songs, washed with birch sap, so that they had eternal beauty and health. In general, the tree symbolized happiness and prosperity. Probably, for these many reasons, the birch has always been associated in Russia with the Motherland. Couples in love in Russian villages often made their dates under a birch.
However, its healing properties are truly impressive. And this is not about prayers by birch and washing with birch sap, everything is much more practical and down to earth.
Widely used in household and medical purposes.
For a long time, healers and doctors have used birch bark, its leaves and buds for medical purposes. It was the preparation of various healing ointments and tinctures. Probably, for this reason, the birch was so appreciated by the Slavs. A beautiful healing tree has become an unofficial symbol of the vast and free country called Russia.
