Russian folk pattern. How to draw a Russian pattern

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Since ancient times in Russia, on every piece of utensils, on every clothes, as well as on houses, various elements, symbols were depicted, which formed patterns. Every detail had its own meaning and place. This is how the Russian folk pattern was formed.

Historical information about the Russian folk pattern

It should be understood that there are two terms - pattern and ornament. And it wasn't the same from the beginning. Even now, not every pattern can be called an ornament. For example, if it is a constantly repeating pattern (rapport).

In Russia, it was believed that the pattern is much deeper, it means more. The word ornament is borrowed from Latin, and it appeared much later and means decoration. In Russia, he had an analogue - “decorations”. It was believed that it was intended for decoration of decorative styling. However, in the future, these two concepts intertwined and began to complement each other.

Russian folk pattern is a combination of various lines, symbols, and other elements that can either be repeated or be in a single version. Patterns may vary from place to place. So, in the eastern regions in Russia in the pattern you can find such an element as “Indian cucumber”,which is still popular today.

Also, each area had its own color scheme of patterns and ornaments.

Signs and symbols in the Russian pattern

If we consider the Russian folk pattern in terms of symbolism, then we can say that not a single element is depicted there just like that. Each has its own meaning and is in its place.

The most popular symbols in the pattern are:

• Star Alatyr, or, as it is also called, the cross of Svarog. It has eight petals and symbolizes the Universe, its cycles of folding and unfolding.
• Also very popular is the symbol of Beregini (Rozhanitsa). This is a schematic representation of a woman who protects.
• A very significant symbol is the Tree of Life, which is sometimes also called the World Tree. It combines the world axis, the universe and the genus.
• Everyone knows the Kolovrat symbol. During the time of Hitler, the swastika became a symbol of war and fascism, but initially it was not so at all.
• Also popular is the Orepei symbol, which is a comb-shaped rhombus. This symbol brings happiness, balance and peace of mind.
• In addition, flowers, stars, spirals and other symbols are used in the pattern and ornament, each of which has a certain meaning, enhancing the positive and protective energy of a person.

In addition to the above elements, there are many others. In addition, almost all patterns of the scheme are quite diverse. The same character canportray in different ways, retaining, however, common features and lines. This is how whole protective phrases arise, as well as small stories or conspiracies.

The sacred meaning of the pattern

You should know that the same symbol, but depicted in different parts of clothing, could have a different meaning. For example, the Orepei sign, depicted in the elbow area on women's clothing, denoted an ancestor. If he was depicted on the hem, then he was the entrance to the other world.

Also symbolically depicted the ancient gods, who moved in chariots. They were harnessed to various animals that personified a particular deity.

Some Russian patterns (photo below) carried a certain code in their numerical repeatability. So, the following numbers were important:

• three (Absolute, Trinity, time, space);
• four (cardinal points, seasons);
• seven (symbol of harmony);
• twelve.

In such patterns and ornaments, the attitude towards mother nature of our ancestors is also manifested. With their images, they seemed to ask her for protection and patronage from various evils, troubles and misfortunes.

Where are Russian folk patterns used?

The use of patterns is quite varied. They are used in embroidery on clothes, towels, napkins, for painting utensils, houses, when carving wood and metal. In the old days, no object was left without a picture.

Russian patterns (there is a photo of them in our review) is not only the beauty of an object, but also protection, a talisman of its owner. It is known that even beforewriting, people have already depicted various symbols (diamonds, lines, dots) on utensils.

Different patterns in different regions

Each region of Russia has its own history of painting, embroidery, patterns and ornaments. Consider the Russian folk pattern (pictures of some will be presented below) for some types and areas:

• Gzhel painting - blue and white colors are characteristic in drawings that are made on ceramic and porcelain products;
• painting, which the village of Zhostovo is famous for, on metal trays;
• Khokhloma painting with various patterns is very interesting, it is characterized by a golden color (there are also red, yellow and orange);
• besides this, in many regions they made their own, special toys (Dymkovo, Kargopol, Starooskol), each of which had its own, unique pattern in painting;
• Pavlovsky Posad shawls are also very famous, which are made in red and black colors, with floral patterns.

And these are not even all the famous crafts where the Russian folk pattern is used.

The most ancient patterns

The most ancient patterns include a combination of various signs, which in the old days had a special meaning and were not simply applied to any product. Each family had its own set of embroideries, paintings, which were passed down from generation to generation. They even have a special meaning for the family, to be its own symbol. Of course, over time, knowledge waslost.

Ancient Russian patterns breathe on us with mystery, the power of amulets, the meaning of each curl or sign.

Now so many people are collecting similar images that make sense.

How to start drawing Russian folk patterns

Now people are increasingly turning to our ancestral heritage, wanting to revive lost traditions. For example, many people are wondering how to draw a Russian pattern. Where to start?

First, you should understand that in Russia there are many techniques of painting, embroidery, which have their own characteristics. For beginners, you need to take patterns that are not very complex, having a repeating pattern. This will make it easier to capture its very essence.

Before drawing itself, you need to practice with its simple components: dots, lines, strokes, droplets, loops, etc. In fact, the most difficult pattern consists of the above details. From these simple forms, after some time of training, it will be possible to create more complex ones.

In order to understand how to draw a Russian pattern, you should not rush. Some forms may indeed seem complex, but remember that they are all made up of simple ones. Lay out the repeating pattern first on the details, start depicting it from the lightest and most basic, for example, a point. Gradually draw other shapes around it, and so at the very end you can get your finished pattern. Take a look at the photo below, which shows all the stages of drawing. Andmake sure the process is not too difficult.

Thus, you can learn how to create ornaments and patterns yourself. In principle, you can take ready-made schemes, and then transfer them to the surface.

Using patterns on household items

Also, patterns and ornaments in ancient times were also made on household items, household utensils. For example, in Russia, a six-petal rosette was depicted on s alt shakers. It had a symbolic meaning. This rosette denoted the sun, and s alt was considered to be associated with it. Also, her image was often found on spinning wheels, as a symbol of endless time.

In addition to the symbolic painting of utensils, there was also simply decorating the product. Of course, it did not appear immediately, but the technique was developed over the years.

It should be noted that some patterns, the schemes of which are quite complex, are still made by craftsmen. This, for example, Khokhloma painting, which looks very beautiful and rich. However, its manufacture is quite complex and multi-stage.

Using patterns in embroidery

Russian embroidery in Russia traditionally not only decorates clothes, towels, bedspreads and other linen products, but also is a talisman. The interweaving of patterns is by no means random. All symbols are in place.

Besides this, the color of the thread used in embroidery also matters. Consider some points:

• embroideredrooster or horse in red or black colors;
• for successful work, embroidery should be done in blue or golden-green tones;
• woolen embroidery is suitable if there are already some energy holes, it is done in the area of human chakras;
• linen is used for appeasement, they embroider trees, birds, stars or the sun;
• for women in embroidery, you need to use black to protect yourself from infertility;
• for men - green (protects from wounds), blue (protects from the elements).

Besides this, symbols are also used in embroidery - a cross (a barrier and protection from evil), a star (heavenly fire), a circle (denoting fertility, abundance and motherhood) and others.

Thus, Russian embroidery is a whole set of knowledge that our ancestors used in antiquity, protecting themselves, relatives and their kind.

Using patterns on old clothes

Probably the most famous use of pattern and ornamentation is folk costume. Even the most ignorant person in this matter will recognize this embroidery. True, the colors and patterns of Russian folk costumes again vary by region.

For example, the more south the area, the brighter people's clothes were. This was due to the fact that before the paint was of natural origin, and the warmer it was, the greater the variety in the possibilities to produce it.

If we talk about men's and women's clothing, the first had almost no differences in the regions, except for preferences in color and pattern. But women's clothing was quitediverse and significantly different.

Geometric patterns, as well as embroidery of various animal figurines, were very popular in the northern part of Russia. But the southern ones had more colored embroidery (often red).

The use of Russian folk pattern in modern clothes

Russian folk pattern on clothes periodically returns to fashion. Famous fashion designers release collections with folk motifs (for example, in 1976, the Russian Collection from Yves Saint Laurent).

In our time, Russian patterns have long been a priority for true connoisseurs. In addition to colorful traditional ones, bright floral (or other folk) prints are used. I remember the old patterns that craftswomen embroider on clothes for their family and friends. You can also, if you wish, order similar clothes for yourself.

Products that have long earned recognition both in quality and style (for example, Pavlovo Posad shawls) also remain popular.

Thus, the Russian pattern simply cannot go into oblivion. His influence on the people is undeniable, this is his legacy, and someday he will rightfully take his rightful place in the hearts of people. After all, ancient Russian patterns truly carry the harmony and beauty that was known to our ancestors. It is also our history, which should not be forgotten.