The nesting dolls have always been considered symbols of “the family”. They have many names – matryoshka dolls, nesting dolls, babushka dolls. “Babushka” in Russian means – “grandmother”. In many cultures, grandmothers play a very important part in the family. In place of nannies, grandmothers become the child’s caretakers and have a strong influence on the children's upbringing. In Russian families the main matriarchs of the family – are grandmothers, they are truly respected and loved.

While both parents are working, a grandmother takes care of the baby throughout the day. It is quite rare for Russian families to hire nannies. Babushkas become simply irreplaceable! They do not only take care of children, feed them healthy home-cooked meals, read fairy-tales aloud, take kids for a walk, do homework with their grandchildren, but also pass on the various family traditions and stories about friends and loved ones, they share their wisdom and knowledge. There’s nothing like it – having a grandmother! It’s like having a second mother, who has a completely different view of the world, from a different generation.

That is why the Russian nesting dolls are often referred to as – babushka dolls. They represent tradition, family, unity, Russian folklore – with their colorfully painted designs; they are usually “wearing” kerchiefs that resemble Pavlovo Posad scarves, which every self-respecting Russian grandma definitely possesses.

I remember how my grandma used to tell me – “those scarves are the best, they are made out of 100% wool and keep you warm. That is very important, to keep your bones warm. It has healing powers”. Or, when it comes to the nesting dolls, she would say – “this is what motherhood is about. Look, there is a large wooden doll and inside her – her daughter, inside her daughter – her granddaughter and so on… And this is how life is, we pass on our family traditions through our daughters, teach them how to be good hostesses and keepers of the household!”There are so many kinds and styles of matryoshkas, many themes that are used in decorating them nowadays – but I guess we can all agree that nothing beats the original – a rosy-cheeked, round-faced girl in a brightly colored kerchief, wearing a traditional sarafan! Such babushka dolls will become a great accent piece in a kitchen or a living room! www.stpgoods.com