Arkhangelsk is a city with a long history, a large sea and river port. Its inhabitants successfully master all the most modern technologies, but at the same time remain faithful to the traditions of their ancestors. Tourists will be pleased with the abundance of historical attractions and entertainment for every taste. What to bring from Arkhangelsk in memory of the trip for yourself, as a gift to friends and colleagues?
Northern bird - a symbol of happiness
Chipped souvenirs in the form of pendant birds are made and sold today in many cities of our country. But the true homeland of this craft is the Arkhangelsk region. Several centuries ago, every Pomeranian man, gathering in the sea, made a bird figurine from a tree and hung it in the red corner of his house before sailing. The bird of happiness was not at all an ancestral decoration and decoration for our ancestors. This craft was considered a powerful amulet of its creator. People believed that the dove would bring good luck to its creator in his work and protect his entire family from troubles. Going to sea without making a bird was considered a bad omen. Today, the Pomeranian dove is sold in all souvenir shops of the city and is considered a full-fledged symbol of Arkhangelsk. The bird of happiness is performed in different sizes, you can find options with or without artistic painting. Nowadays, hanging this souvenir is customary in the hallway.
Kargopol toy
In the Arkhangelsk region there is its own clay craft. It is believed that the masters from Kargopol began to sculpt their figures with sacred meaning, trying to appease evil spirits. And only much later Kargopol folk toy became a souvenir and fun for children. The figures amaze with the variety of shapes and the beauty of the painting. Usually the Kargopol toy depicts some kind of everyday sketches: women in scarves, little men with beards, children on the stove, horses and other pets. The most colorful character is the Slavic centaur Polkan, who was once considered the patron of ordinary people. Kargopol toy will be an excellent present for people who are fond of folk crafts. You can give such a souvenir to your child, because all the figures are bright and beautiful.
Products made of birch bark, wood and bone art
The Arkhangelsk region is famous not only for the Kargopol craft. Another full-fledged brand of the region is Mezen wood painting. Since time immemorial, in the city of Mezen and its environs, craftsmen have made unique dishes and interior items, painting them with just two colors: red and black. Souvenirs made in this ancient technique, today can afford to purchase every guest of the city. No less popular are folk birch bark products. Some craftsmen paint birch bark boxes, baskets, baskets and kitchen utensils, emphasizing the natural pattern of wood. Arkhangelsk masters are famous for their artistic bone carving. In this technique, large wall panels, candlesticks, combs, and women's jewelry are made. All these souvenirs are made by masters completely by hand, as at the dawn of the birth of fishing. The cost of large works is appropriate, but everyone can afford cute small-sized crafts without damage to the wallet.
“Kozulya” is the most delicious symbol of Arkhangelsk
What to bring from Arkhangelsk to fans of edible souvenirs? The first place in the list of the most unusual and delicious delicacies in the region is occupied by the traditional gingerbread “roe”. These are baked curly baked goods decorated with glaze. Their secret is in a unique recipe and an unusual way of preparation: sugar syrup specially cooked in a special way is added to the dough at the kneading stage. Pomors say that every family has its own secret cooking recipe. Today, "roe" is made in the form of toys, figures of deer and other animals. Many tourists think that they called the delicacy in shape, and the most traditional gingerbread - in the form of horned animals. This is not a completely correct opinion, in fact, the name of the delicacy comes from the Pomeranian word “curl”. Initially, such gingerbread cookies were baked only at Christmas as a special treat. Edible figurines were often decorated with a Christmas tree, and then they were eaten. Today, the Arkhangelsk painted “gingerbread” gingerbread cookies are sold year-round, so there is no need to wait for a special date to try them.
Fish delicacies and other seafood
During a trip to the coastal city, you should definitely try fish and seafood dishes. Arkhangelsk is a real paradise for lovers of seafood. Fish delicacies are sold in a huge assortment at affordable prices. Sterlet, halibut, salmon, ruff, cod and many other popular types of fish are sold in local markets and in supermarkets in fresh and cooked form. What to bring from Arkhangelsk to a seafood lover? Smoked, salted or dried fish is a great hotel. It is most convenient to purchase a product in a vacuum package. For residents of Arkhangelsk, seafood is not only fish, but also algae. Some species of underwater flora are harvested on an industrial scale. Food products, even confectionery, such as special marmalade and even chips, are made from algae. They are also used in the manufacture of cosmetics, medicines and dietary supplements. Edible seaweed or face cream with their extracts can be supplemented with a present for any person.
Berries of the North
Cloudberries, lingonberries, blueberries, cranberries and blueberries - the inhabitants of many regions of Russia have never seen these berries fresh. In Arkhangelsk in the season they are sold in kilograms, used to make jam and fruit drinks. The freshest and most delicious should be sought in local markets. Each northern berry has its own unique taste. The beneficial properties of the gifts of the northern forest can be talked about indefinitely. All these berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It is not easy to bring fresh berries from Arkhangelsk as a hotel in fresh form. If the journey home is long, you can choose jam or fruit drink from cloudberries, lingonberries or cranberries as a tasty souvenir. Concentrated juices from northern berries are also sold in Arkhangelsk.
Strong drinks are a nice souvenir for adults
Arkhangelsk also has its own distillery, which recently celebrated its centenary. The most tourist products of this company are liquors and herbal balms. It is believed that drinks in this category have useful properties. What to bring from Arkhangelsk as a gift to a lover of unusual alcohol? The best choice is Lomonosov Balm. The drink is prepared according to a unique recipe, insists on collecting herbs and roots with the addition of berries and honey. The assortment of the distillery contains various sorts of wines, cognac and vodka.