8th grade. Unit 6. Lesson 1. Traditional Belarusian crafts

👉Communicative area: describing Belarusian crafts

👉Active vocabulary: craft, pottery, weaving, straw weaving, embroidery, blacksmithing, woodcarving, clay, linen, ceramic, iron, crystal.

What things do you associate with Belarusian traditions? Work in pairs and write words through the word “traditions”. Use the words given or your own ideas. 

What traditional Belarusian crafts do you know? Read the information and name the crafts in the exercise.

Picture C

The culture of handicraft in Belarus is a tradition going back centuries. 

Weaving and embroidery are among the most famous traditional Belarusian crafts. Blue flax flowers decorate the coat of arms of Belarus. You can find a wide range of linen (made from flax) goods such as tablecloths, napkins, bedding, curtains, clothes, amulet dolls, embroidered shirts, and towels. 

Picture B

Straw weaving is a tradition that goes back to a time when the grain was cut by hand. It was believed that “the spirit of the harvest” lived in the grain. In the past, people covered the roofs of their houses with straw and used straw to make clothes, footwear, hats, toys, and decorations. It was also used as bedding for domestic animals. Various figurines made from straw were not just toys but amulet-protectors. 

Picture A 

Pottery has been a popular craft in different regions of Belarus since ancient times. Each artisan1 had his own secrets of making things from clay. Belarusian women knew that milk remained (оставалось) fresh for longer in a ceramic  jug, and dishes of national cuisine cooked in clay pots were incredibly tasty. Also, Belarusians made musical instruments from clay. You can buy ceramic figurines of animals and birds (bison, beavers, storks, and many others), bells, candlesticks, accessories, magnets, and dishes. 

Picture E

Blacksmithing has always been associated with mystery. How can it be otherwise? After all, not everyone can turn a piece of metal into a useful thing or an art object. And, blacksmiths do it. Figurines and jewellery, furniture and clocks, balconies and stairs, fences and gates, barbecues, and horseshoes are made from iron and other metals. In Belarus, a land of forests, wood has always been a common material for construction and art.

Picture D

Woodcarving is still a popular craft. Belarusian artisans produce wooden furniture, dishes, spoons, interior decorations, figurines, and accessories. So, a wooden jewellery box inlaid with straw would be a lovely souvenir. 

Picture F

Belarusian glass blowing is a real point of pride of our country. There were a lot of glass and crystal factories in Belarus a hundred and more years ago. Belarusian glass blowers became famous for their unique artistic taste and the excellent quality of their work. Elegant glasses, splendid vases, candlesticks, animal and bird figurines, Easter eggs, and fruits would decorate any house.

This shirt is made of linen. (material)

Linen is made from flax. (process) 

How are the following things related to traditional Belarusian crafts?

The coat of arms of Belarus; the spirit of the harvest; amulets; fresh milk; tasty food; domestic animals; mystery; unique artistic taste.

Work in pairs. Ask and answer questions about Belarusian crafts. Share your findings with the other pairs. Which crafts have your classmates tried? 

1. Have you ever tried … ? 

2. Do you know any people who practise …? 

3. Which craft would you like to try? 

Imagine that you are at the open-air museum “Dudutki”. 

What workshop would you invite your friend to? 

Describe the craft.