Make sure you bring something to remind you about your trip to Belarus when you leave. There are so many unique souvenirs that you may choose from. Belarus is a land full of talented craftsmen producing great things from local materials, such as clay, wood, linen, straw and others.
National decor:
The most recognizable souvenirs from Belarus are those with the element of national décor. There is a red and white ornament on the national flag. These designs were used in national costumes and every symbol has a special meaning. Therefore anything that has these red and white symbols is typically Belarusian: magnets, bags, cards, lighters, plates and cups, bijouterie, towels and even T-shirts with the embroidery or simple print.
Linen:
Since ancient times flax was cultivated on Belarusian lands. Our ancestors created household items, toys for children, weaved and sewed the clothes from the flax fiber. The seeds were used for baking bread and making jelly drinks. Linen is an amazing material. It can be rough as in towels, delicate as in the light dresses and shirts, but in every case it’s ecological, natural and healthy.
Straw:
Straw is another great natural material, which our ancestors used in everyday life to cover roofs of the houses, to feed animals, to create household items, shoes, hats, decorations and icons. Straw plating is not just a craft but it is an art in Belarus. There are straw dolls, boxes, pictures, bijouterie and toys in the souvenir shops. Take some “Belarusian gold” with you.
Ceramics:
Belarusian craftsmen know a lot about making vessels, jars, boxes, toys, whistles and even music instruments. So definitely a souvenir made of local clay is a good choice.
Cosmetics:
Belarusian face and body care cosmetics producers use a lot of natural materials. There is a wide range for every age, gender and goal that will make you enjoy your bath time and beauty procedures. Pay attention to the following brands: “Belita”, “Belcosmecs”, “Modum”, “Vitecs”, “Floralis”.
Sweets and chocolate:
Belarusian confectionaries use natural products, juices and berries for the production of the marshmallows (zefir), marmalades and pastilles. “Krasny pischevik” is the oldest and the most famous confectionary. High quality of Belarusian chocolate by “Kommunarka” and “Spartak” has already gained its fame around the world. Sweeten up your visit and enjoy any of these tasty souvenirs.
Glass and crystals:
For more than 100 years a variety of glass and crystal items have been produced in Belarusian factories. Belarusian glass-blowers are famous for their elegant taste and great quality of the pieces. Such factories as “Neman” and “Borisov Crystal Plant” offer vases, glasses and many other souvenirs.
Leather:
There are many companies in Belarus that took the experience of creating leather products from the ancestors and turned it into modern items. Bags and belts by “Galanteya” and “Mattioli”, exclusive leather goods from “Makey” and shoes from “Marko”, “Belwest”, “Shagovita” are very practical and memorable things to buy.
Some of the mentioned above souvenirs can be found in the “Slavutast” Gallery (21 Maksima Bogdanovicha str., Opening hours: 10.00-19.00) or in the wooden houses near the City Hall (Svobody square), Stolitsa shopping centre (3/2 Nezavisimosti square), GUM (21 Nezavisimosti av.).
Comments