Most tourists on any trip try to allocate time for a walk around the local souvenir shops. It is very interesting to get acquainted with handicrafts, typical for a particular region, and buy something for memory. We urge you to exercise prudence and make an approximate list of purchases in advance. What to bring from Karelia, what local souvenirs can you really find only in this country?
Karelian birch
In any souvenir shop in Karelia you can find a lot of wood products, so to speak, for every taste. Local artisans from ancient times use a unique Karelian birch. Wood of this breed pleases with durability and durability. Unusual and its color - it's all shades of gold: from almost white to heavy brown. Often this wood is compared with natural marble due to its unique pattern and strength. Indeed, many products are more like stone than wood. What to bring from Karelia as a souvenir? Choose any items from Karelian birch that you like. Local artisans make from this material key rings, pendants, amulets, small household utensils, caskets, children's toys. If you travel by car, pay attention to large candlesticks, carved frames and other interior items.
Products from birch bark
Bark bark is one of the most common materials in ancient folk crafts. Karelian masters honor the traditions of their ancestors and surprise modern tourists with a variety of birch bark products. The outer side of the birch bark pleases with a unique pattern, and the inner - golden yellow - resembles a lime honey. The material is valued for its plasticity and versatility. As well as many centuries ago, from birch bark today weave bast shoes, baskets and boxes. In souvenir shops of Karelia it is easy to find jewelry, dishes, decorative panels and other interesting products made of this natural material. If you still think that you can bring a woman from Karelia as a gift, choose interior trimmings and ornaments from birch bark, and you definitely will not go wrong.
Shungite is the stone that heals
Karelia is famous as the only deposit in the world of one of the most mysterious minerals. The name of this stone is schungite, it differs in deep black color, white streaks are visible on some samples. The magic properties of this mineral are made up of whole legends. According to one of them, three centuries ago a stone was prescribed in the statutory order to be worn by soldiers of the Russian army. Many people still believe today that this mineral has an extraterrestrial origin. Today, schungite is valued as a stone that relieves the body of negative energy and fills the positive. Many healers consider it a natural antioxidant. Recently, scientists have proven that the mineral is able to purify water and air. What to bring from Karelia for themselves and their loved ones? Of course, products made of schungite. On sale it is possible to find ornaments, rosary, small amulets and decorative trifles, made of this mysterious stone. Pay attention to special healing accessories - bracelets from shungite, belts and belts, in which small pieces of mineral are sewn. What to bring from Karelia as a gift to a woman who loves to take care of herself? Look for local exotics in pharmacies - cosmetics with the addition of hoods made of schungite. Manufacturers assure that cream and masks with the addition of this mineral nourish the skin and have a rejuvenating effect.
"Karelian Balsam"
Many tourists prefer to bring edible souvenirs from a rest. What can you bring from Karelia to your friends "for testing"? The first place in the list of traditional drinks is occupied by "Karelian balsam". It is not only a tasty alcoholic tincture, but also an incredibly healthy drug. Balm insists on 30 types of medicinal plants by unique ancient technology. You can take it in its pure form, washing down with juices or adding a small amount in tea, coffee, alcoholic cocktails. What souvenirs bring tourists from Karelia more often? Of course, local alcohol. In addition to the "Karelian balsam", try the tinctures: "Seventeen useful herbs", "Valaam Monastery", "Aptekarsky Garden" and "Karelian Gathering". You can buy all these drinks in the alcohol departments of grocery stores and pharmacies.
Gifts of nature
Many people come to Karelia as to the edge of untouched virgin landscapes. Indeed, the local nature is amazing with its beauty and it seems to be exotic to any inhabitant of the south or central Russia. During the rest you can buy natural cosmetics, herbal teas and medicinal preparations. In the Karelian forests, a variety of wild berries grow, many of which can be eaten. The most famous of them is cloudberry. In grocery stores or souvenir shops you can always buy jam or jam from it. Be sure to try delicious treats from cowberries, blueberries, blueberries, cranberries. It makes sense to look for in stores tinctures and sweets from rowan and irgi.
Zaonezhskaya embroidery
Another oldest trade in Karelia is the embroidered embroidery. From time immemorial Karelian craftsmen decorated their national clothes and various interior items in their unique technique. Zaonezhskaya embroidery is recognizable by using only one thread color and its continuity. The traditional base material is flax. Modern masters embroider napkins, tablecloths, curtains, scarves and decorate clothes. This is an excellent variant of a souvenir for those who still think what to bring from Karelia. Zaonezhskaya embroidery is an ancient art that has survived to this day only in this country. As well as many centuries ago, today every stitch is executed manually. Thanks to which the finished product is of high quality and keeps a memory of the warmth of the hands of the master.
Dolls-amulets from Karelia
Our ancestors believed that "play" in dolls can not only children. The ancient Slavs had a tradition of making amulets. Especially popular were rag dolls that protected their owners or the whole house. The secrets of making such important items were handed down from generation to generation. In the modern world, not many people own secret knowledge of the creation and use of dolls-wards. This tradition is quite widespread in Karelia. In the trading souvenir ranks, you are sure to meet girls and women, offering to choose each doll for the memory of the trip. Any such amulet has its functions. One doll will fulfill one desire, the other will guard you for many years. You will like such amulet and those who do not believe in magic and mysticism. All dolls are made in folk style from bright shreds of fabric. They look incredibly cute and cozy.
Traditional ceramics
Clay products made by hand by Karelian artisans are quite popular souvenirs from Karelia. What to bring to the memory of the trip? Painted plates and beautiful dishes, pots for baking, decorative figurines and funny bells. Karelian ceramics is a unique industry. The red Devonian clay is used as a raw material for these products. The material is quite rare and ancient, in our time it is mined in only a few places around the world. Not only local artisans are engaged in ceramics today, but also a whole specialized combine. Each holidaymaker can decide for himself what to bring from Karelia as a present: a factory product or a unique handicraft item.