Flax as a national wealth and political tool of Belarus
About Flax
These days people tend to turn to green products and ecological staples. Flax is universally accepted to be a case in point which finds its confirmation in Alexander Lukashenko's policy. It was the modernization of flax production that contributed to the revival of flax growing and the use of flax raw materials in textile industry. Flax or "northern silk" (theso-called Belarusian flax) is a fiber-containing crop which is manufactured annually. Flax for Belarus is not only a traditional but also the oldest agricultural crop. It has been the vital staple for many Belarusians since times immemorial. What does Belarusian flax surpass other raw materials?
Origin
Belarusians have grown flax since ancient times.Linen is an indicator of luxury. Therefore, cloth was woven from fiber and clothes were sewn, wonderful household items were created, toys were made.
Flax has always been highly praised to the skies and admired which is reflected in proverbs and sayings:
«Ой, лянок, лянок мой чысты, валакністы, залацісты!»
«Тонясонцапазалотайпакаціласьназагон, тоняўвосеньлябалотазагарэўсяпышнылен»
«Лен усіхапранае»
«Лен – кашуля ў полі».
Fine linen clothes served as a symbol of innocence, virginity and immaculacy so when getting married a young girl used to wear linen dresses.
Flax has always been highly praised to the skies and admired which is reflected in proverbs and sayings:
«Ой, лянок, лянок мой чысты, валакністы, залацісты!»
«Тонясонцапазалотайпакаціласьназагон, тоняўвосеньлябалотазагарэўсяпышнылен»
«Лен усіхапранае»
«Лен – кашуля ў полі».
Fine linen clothes served as a symbol of innocence, virginity and immaculacy so when getting married a young girl used to wear linen dresses.
How has flax transformed from the domain of national heritage into the political realm?
1938 was the year when the coat of arms of Belarus was ornated with blue flax flowers as the token of strength and industrial breakthrough. Initially presented flax budsburst in blossom on the coat of arms of Belarus after 11 years. It is this emblem that decorated one of the stations of the Moscow metro.
Currently, there are 23 flax mills located on the territory of Belarus.
The largest enterprise for the production of linen fabrics is Orsha Flax Mill. It started as a small linen milland soon it gained popularity throughout the USSR. In 1937 workshops for spinning, weaving, finishing factory for the production of fabric sas well as extra services for the first factory were put into effect. Before the Second World War it was called "The linen giant". But during the Second World Wart he fascists destroyed the flax plant. After the warit was built from scratch. In 1949 the company surpassed the pre-war production level and as the result it was awarded Lenin's Order, the highest award of the USSR.
Since 1972 the plant has operated three factories, each of which represents a separate operating textile mill.
During its history Orshansky Flax plant has produced more than 2 billion 750 million meters of fabric. The flax plant can be compared to a huge mechanism of six factories connected by cycles of flax, spinning, weaving, finishing and sewing industries. Each of them underwent modernization.
There are two subsidiary factories aimed at producing a wide range of finished products from home textiles to clothes. One of the highest demanded items is towels. Recently the plant has started designing towels with the sights of the regional cities of Belarus.
During its history Orshansky Flax plant has produced more than 2 billion 750 million meters of fabric. The flax plant can be compared to a huge mechanism of six factories connected by cycles of flax, spinning, weaving, finishing and sewing industries. Each of them underwent modernization.
There are two subsidiary factories aimed at producing a wide range of finished products from home textiles to clothes. One of the highest demanded items is towels. Recently the plant has started designing towels with the sights of the regional cities of Belarus.
It is worth noting that there are Belarusian products in Melania Trump's wardrobe. Melania Trump highly appreciated the souvenirs (a tablecloth and napkins) which fostered her love for Belarusian linen.
Previously Belarusian flax was used more for technical purposes — the manufacture of ropes, burlap, tarpaulin. Today Belarusian linen is used in modern design with ornaments as an element of national identity. It inspires designers to create unique collections of clothes that combine traditional design with modern fashion trends.
Belarusian ornament as the code of the people
The ornaments on Belarusian linen clothes have deep historical roots and are closely connected with the folk art of this country. They are distinguished by their originality and diversity, embodying the symbols and traditions of the Belarusians.
Belarusian ornament is a traditional set of symbols and colors that our ancestors have been using for many centuries since pre-Christian times. These colors have deep symbolism. White background is the color of purity. Red is the color of the sun, of blood as a symbol of life, and also a symbol of life in general. Red and white symbols on clothes no longer surprise many people.
Belarusian ornament is a traditional set of symbols and colors that our ancestors have been using for many centuries since pre-Christian times. These colors have deep symbolism. White background is the color of purity. Red is the color of the sun, of blood as a symbol of life, and also a symbol of life in general. Red and white symbols on clothes no longer surprise many people.
PATTERNS OF LIFE
These motifs are embroidered when one needs to ask God for a person to come to their senses
These motifs are embroidered when one needs to ask God for a person to come to their senses
When a woman does not have children, such a symbol is depicted. To express the idea of the bloom of nature and life, the symbol of the Sun (fig. 1) is embroidered which is placed inside the Earth (fig. 2) symbol.
HARVEST AND FERTILITY
In pre-Christian times the main gods were the Sun god and the Mother Earth goddess. All life on Earth depended on them. They loved each other, had children - Yarilo and Vesna. Yarilo is embodied in many patterns. One of them depicts him on a horse
In pre-Christian times the main gods were the Sun god and the Mother Earth goddess. All life on Earth depended on them. They loved each other, had children - Yarilo and Vesna. Yarilo is embodied in many patterns. One of them depicts him on a horse
Another important symbol of the harvest is Zhutnaya Baba. She was made from a sheaf wrapped in a towel, watered and placed under icons. Women believed that Zhutnaya Baba heals women's diseases, helps in childbirth. Those who value her always have a good harvest.
MOTHER'S IMAGE
The image of a mother (fig. 1) with a child is characteristic of art all over the world but Belarusians have a special love for it. Our ancestors glorified the mother-woman (fig. 2) adorning many of their items with her symbol.
The image of a mother (fig. 1) with a child is characteristic of art all over the world but Belarusians have a special love for it. Our ancestors glorified the mother-woman (fig. 2) adorning many of their items with her symbol.
The highest embodiment of love, kindness, and beauty is the mother and child who inspired craftsmen and artists of all times and peoples. This image was greatly loved by Belarusian weavers and embroiderers.
LOVE
It is very interesting how young girls expressed their feelings through embroidery. There were patterns
that symbolized love that was
just beginning (fig. 1) and love in full bloom (fig. 2).
It is very interesting how young girls expressed their feelings through embroidery. There were patterns
that symbolized love that was
just beginning (fig. 1) and love in full bloom (fig. 2).
When a married couple did not have children, grandmothers advised wives to embroider the Mother-Parent and the Sacred Tree.
Ornaments on clothing are placed only in specific areas - on the collar, on the cuffs, along the neckline, on the headwear around the face. They are where there are gaps, where evil can penetrate a person's body. Everything else is protected by fabric. And the fabric was woven on looms, on which these signs were applied.
1. The star of a person in the sky;
2. The sun gives strength and harvest;
3. The moon protects children from night fear, nightmares;
4. Fire cures colds and ailments;
5. Perun protects from the evil eye, punishing demons with his arrows;
6. The grandfather in the afterlife prays for the health and happiness of his living relatives;
7. The goat cures and protects all animals from diseases and impurities.
2. The sun gives strength and harvest;
3. The moon protects children from night fear, nightmares;
4. Fire cures colds and ailments;
5. Perun protects from the evil eye, punishing demons with his arrows;
6. The grandfather in the afterlife prays for the health and happiness of his living relatives;
7. The goat cures and protects all animals from diseases and impurities.
Thus the Belarusian ornament on linen clothes is an integral part of the culture of this country symbolizing its rich heritage and unique tradition. It retains its relevance and popularity continuing to inspire and delight fans of folk art not only in Belarus but also around the world.
Today Belarusian flax is known in many countries of the world. It is used to produce luxury textiles for homes, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Linen products often turn into a family treasure which is carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation.
