Most tourists on any trip try to make time for a walk in the local souvenir shops. It is very interesting to get acquainted with handicrafts specific to a particular region and buy something for memory. We urge you to be prudent and make a rough shopping list in advance. What to bring from Karelia, what local souvenirs can really be found only in this country?
Karelian birch
In any souvenir shop in Karelia you can find many wood products, so to speak, for every taste. Since ancient times, local artisans have used the unique Karelian birch. The wood of this breed pleases with strength and durability. Unusual and its color is all shades of gold: from almost white to saturated brown. Due to the unique pattern and strength, this wood is often compared with natural marble. Indeed, many products look more like stone than wooden. What to bring from Karelia as a souvenir? Choose any items from the Karelian birch that you like. Local artisans make trinkets, amulets, small
household utensils, caskets, and children's toys from this material. If you are traveling by car, pay attention to large candle holders, carved frames and other interior items.
Products from birch bark
Birch bark is one of the most common material 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 inside - golden yellow - resembles linden honey. Material is appreciated for its flexibility and versatility. Like many centuries ago, bast bast shoes, baskets and baskets are weaving today. In souvenir shops of Karelia it is not difficult to find jewelry, dishes, decorative panels and other interesting products made of this natural material. If you still think that you can bring a gift to a woman from Karelia, choose interior trifles and jewelry from birch bark, and you will not be mistaken.
Shungite - a 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 shungite, it is distinguished by a deep black color, white streaks are noticeable on some samples. Entire legends are composed about the magical properties of this mineral. According to one of them, three centuries ago, the stone in the statutory order was prescribed to be worn by soldiers of the Russian army. Many people today believe that this mineral is of extraterrestrial origin. Today shungite is valued as a stone, ridding the body of negative energy and filling it with positive. Many healers consider it a natural antioxidant. Recently, scientists have proved that the mineral is able to purify water and air. What to bring from Karelia for yourself and your loved ones? Of course, products from shungite. On sale you can find jewelry, prayer beads, small amulets and decorative little things made of this mysterious stone. Pay attention to special healing accessories - shungite bracelets, belts and belts, in which small pieces of mineral are sewn. What to bring from Karelia as a gift to a woman who likes to take care of herself? Look for local exotic in pharmacies - cosmetics with the addition of extracts from shungite. Manufacturers claim that creams and masks with the addition of this mineral nourish the skin and have a rejuvenating effect.
Karelian Balm
Many tourists prefer to bring edible souvenirs from the rest. What can be brought to Karelia to your friends “for trial”? The first place in the list of traditional drinks is Karelian Balsam. This is not only a
delicious alcoholic tincture, but also an incredibly healthy drug. The balm is infused with 30 types of medicinal plants using unique ancient technology. You can take it in its pure form, washed down with juices or adding a small amount to tea, coffee, alcoholic cocktails. What souvenirs do tourists most often bring from Karelia? Of course, local alcohol. In addition to Karelian Balsam, try the tinctures: Seventeen Healthy Herbs, Valaam Monastery, Pharmacy Garden and Karelian Collection. You can buy all these drinks in the alcohol departments of grocery stores and pharmacies.
Gifts of nature
Many come to Karelia as to the land of untouched virgin landscapes. Indeed, the local nature is striking in its beauty and seems exotic to any resident of the south or central strip of Russia. During relaxation, you can buy natural cosmetics, herbal teas and medicinal fees. A variety of wild berries grow in the Karelian forests , 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 the delicious goodies from lingonberries, blueberries, blueberries, cranberries. It makes sense to look in stores for tinctures and sweets from mountain ash and berry.
Zaonezhskaya embroidery
Another oldest craft in Karelia is Zaonezhskaya embroidery. Since time immemorial, in their unique technique, Karelian craftswomen have been decorating national clothes and various home decoration. Zaonezhskaya embroidery is recognizable due to the use of only one color of the thread and its continuity. The traditional base material is linen. Modern craftswomen embroider napkins, tablecloths, curtains, scarves and decorate clothes. This is a great souvenir option 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. Like many centuries ago, today every stitch is done manually. Thanks to what the finished product is of high quality and keeps the memory of the warmth of the hands of the craftswoman.
Charm dolls from Karelia
Our ancestors believed that "playing" with dolls is possible not only for children. The ancient Slavs had a tradition of making charms.
Rag dolls were especially popular
, protecting their owners or the whole house. The secrets of making such important items have been passed down from generation to generation. In the modern world, not many possess secret knowledge on the creation and use of amulets. This tradition is quite widespread in Karelia. In the souvenir shopping arcade you will surely meet girls and women offering to choose each doll for a memory of the trip. Any such amulet has its own functions. One doll will fulfill one desire, the other will protect you for many years. Such amulets will also be liked by those who do not believe in magic and mysticism. All dolls are made in folk style from bright scraps of fabric. They look incredibly cute and cozy.
Traditional ceramics
Pottery made manually by Karelian artisans are quite popular souvenirs from Karelia. What to bring to the memory of the trip? Painted plates and beautiful dishes, baking pots, decorative figurines and funny bells. Karelian ceramics is a unique craft. Red Devonian clay is used as raw material for these products. The material is quite rare and ancient, in our time, its extraction is carried out in only a few places around the world. Ceramics today is engaged not only in local artisans, but also in a whole specialized factory. Each vacationer can decide for himself what to bring from Karelia as a gift: a factory product or a unique handmade item.