Are you proud of your cultural heritage

Are you proud of your cultural heritage?

Every country has its own way of living, customs, places, objects, artefacts, value systems and beliefs, passing on from generation to generation.  We often hear about the importance of cultural identity. But what is cultural identity?

First of all, cultural identity is a part of a person's identity, related to nationality, ethnicity, generation or any social group that has its own distinct culture. It represents our history and our identity; our bond to the past, present and future.

Cultural heritage often brings to mind artefacts (paintings, drawings, documents, sculptures, household objects).

So,what would you answer if I asked you about a symbol of Russian folk art, culture and beauty? Undoubtedly, most people would answer Matryoshka - a Russian wooden doll with smaller dolls stacked within the bigger ones.  Originally, Matryoshka was created as a toy for children. However, later many people noticed the features of the Russian national character in it, and it became one of the distinct features of  Russian culture.

In my country culture and traditions date back to old times. Using our ancestors` knowledge and experience, we can reproduce much of the events and artefacts and let the younger and future generations dive into that atmosphere.

Culture is not bordered by material objects that we can see and touch, but even more, we can be part of it too.

Most of the customs give us spiritual and emotional distinction from others. That's the traditional Russian festival, Maslenitsa, also known as ‘pancake week’, is famous for its blini (pancakes) with many fillings and toppings.This annual festival at the end of February rings in the passing of winter. The blini symbolize the sun and the coming spring. This festival is still alive and it helps people to get united.

Can you just imagine that we have no cultural heritage, like traditions, meaningful objects, stories to share? As for me, I am happy to be born in the country, rich in history and culture, and have so many things to be proud of.