It will recall traditional spiritual and family values\r\n\r\nIn the museum's main building (Spasskaya St., 6) the exhibition 'Symbols and Traditions of Christmas' (0+) has opened. This is already the third exhibition project of the local history museum organized as part of the New Year Capital of Russia program.\r\n\r\nThe exposition tells about the traditions of winter Christmas holidays (the Nativity of Christ, Epiphany/Baptism, and New Year) in the Vyatka Governorate at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries.\r\n\r\nThe main idea of the exhibition is to remind visitors that Christian values and traditions lie at the heart of Christmas celebrations. The center of the exhibition features antique icons of the Nativity and Epiphany and objects used in Orthodox worship. These are genuine, unique items from the museum's collection.\r\n\r\nVisitors will learn that our ancestors considered the Nativity Fast and attendance at the festive church service to be the main events of December–January. All entertainments during the winter holidays began only after they concluded. It was customary to visit one another, set festive tables, and spend time outdoors—skating, sledding, and skiing. Photographs from the early 20th century will vividly show how this looked in Vyatka.\r\n\r\nAnother important idea of the exhibition, in the Year of the Family, is the family traditions of our ancestors. Visitors will learn what gifts were customary for children and adults, what treats made up the festive menu, and how homes were decorated. They will be delighted by antique New Year and Christmas postcards, pre‑revolutionary calendars from the early 20th century, and photographs of notable families of the provincial city of Vyatka. Of particular value are the famous Kukarka lace pieces, which were a much-desired Christmas gift for ladies.\r\n\r\nThe brightest highlight of the exhibition is a Christmas tree decorated with 19th‑century‑style ornaments. Anyone may take a photo with it.\r\n\r\nWe remind you that at the Kirov Diorama in December–January the exhibition 'Happy New Year, Comrades!' is on display, at the Prikaznaya Izba there is the exhibition 'New Year in Old Vyatka', and at the Museum of Military Glory you can see a 'front-line' Christmas tree.
