M is for Matryoshka

History Lesson of the Russian nesting dolls

• Russian nesting doll (synonyms - nested doll, stacking doll) or matryoshka as it is sounded in Russian - probably, the most popular Russian national souvenir.
• The first Russian nesting doll (matryoshka) was born in 1890 in the workshop "Children's Education" situated in Abramtsevo estate new Moscow.
• The  attention to detail and creative skill of the Matryoshka artists will amaze you.

Why it is called "matryoshka"

 In old Russian among peasants the name Matryona or Matriosha was a very popular female name. Scholars says this name has a Latin root "mater" and means "Mother". This name was associated with the image of of a mother of a big peasant family who was very healthy and had a portly figure.

Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to image brightly painted wooden figurines made in a such way that they could taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another. This symbolizes the hope and value of life and the family; the heart an soul of Russian people.  source

• Matryoshka dolls have been popping up everywhere from actual dolls to prints and patterns on jewelery, fabrics, clothing, kitchen utensils, cups, plates etc.. 
• These are some of my favorites!

1.matryoshka-tea-towel 2.Measuring Cups 3.napking rings 4.pinkish-babushka-ring

5.cross-stitch-in-fancy-vintage 6.stamps 7.fabric-notebook 8.necklance

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