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Designer, artist and art director with many years of experience Work experience. Copywriter and columnist, actively publishing materials on design and art. A lecturer at the HSE School of Design, he shares his knowledge and experience with future specialists in this field. He has won over 30 prestigious design awards, including Good Design and Red Dot, confirming his high level of professionalism. He has served as a jury member at the Cannes Lions, Eurobest, and AD Stars international festivals, demonstrating the recognition of his expertise in the industry.
The author of the book "Parable Therapy, or the Book of Meanings about Marketing," co-authored with Sergei Kuzhavsky, is a recognized expert in the field of marketing and communications. He was a regular contributor to Snob and Creative Director magazines, and has also published in Vedomosti and the graphic design magazine [kAk]. His work covers a wide range of topics related to marketing and design, making his contributions valuable to professionals in these fields.
To mark the new beginning and centenary, in Moscow, after prayer and thanksgiving to God in church and at home, it is proposed to decorate prominent streets and the homes of clergy and secular officials. Decorations can be made with trees and branches of pine, spruce, and juniper trees, following the patterns created at Gostiny Dvor and near the Lower Pharmacy. Everyone can choose gate decorations that are convenient and suitable for their location. Those with limited means are encouraged to install at least one branch or tree on their gate or above their home. This decoration must be ready by January 1, 1700, and remain in place for seven days.
Peter the Great's Decree No. 1736 "On the Celebration of the New Year" was issued on December 20, 7208, according to the Russian calendar, which corresponds to 1699 according to the Gregorian calendar. This decree was an important step in reforming the traditions of celebrating the New Year in Russia. Peter the Great sought to adapt Russian customs to European standards, which contributed to the country's cultural integration into the Western world. The decree prescribed celebrating the New Year on January 1 instead of the autumn celebration, which allowed the calendar to be synchronized with the European one. This change was a significant moment in Russian history and reflects Peter the Great's desire for modernization and reform.
Every year on December 31st, we celebrate a holiday that is unimaginable without a decorated Christmas tree. Many of us choose a "real" tree, even though it's already been cut, or we pull a synthetic one out of the closet. In recent years, there has been a trend toward natural trees, as the production and subsequent disposal of plastic trees is considered more harmful to the environment than the cultivation and disposal of real ones. This underscores the importance of being mindful of the impact of our choices on the environment and striving for more sustainable practices in New Year's celebrations.
But let's focus on the other side of the issue. In Russia, Christmas trees remain up for a long time, often until March 8th, and their appearance can become a source of regret. Instead of simply taking them down, it makes sense to understand their meaning and role in our celebrations. We can discuss how to maintain the festive spirit and decorate the tree so it will delight the eye for as long as possible.
The Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday, originally associated with Christmas and now an integral part of the traditional New Year's celebration. It's an archetype that seems to come to us from the distant past, as if from ancient texts. Although the Christmas tree has no direct connection to the events of the Old Testament, one can imagine the Magi bringing it to the manger along with the gifts. This symbol embodies joy and unity, invariably evoking a festive atmosphere in every home.
There are many versions of the origin of the Christmas tree, but none of them has sufficient factual evidence.
The main theory claims that the German religious reformer Martin Luther (1483–1546) originated the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. One day, before Christmas, he was returning home through a spruce forest and, contemplating the divine, observed the starry sky through the branches of the trees. Inspired by this beauty, Luther cut down a tree, installed it in his home, and lit candles on it, symbolizing the stars, including the Star of Bethlehem. This story became the basis for the popular tradition of decorating Christmas trees in the lead-up to Christmas, which has survived to this day.
There's a poetic legend about a creative team of angels brainstorming to choose a symbolic Christmas tree. Oak proved unsuitable because it was used to make grave crosses. Beech was a no-no because it lost its leaves around Christmas. Birch branches were associated with rods used for corporal punishment, and willows were known for their constant weeping. In contrast, the spruce boasted an evergreen color, a pleasant aroma, and symbolic significance. Its symmetrical conical shape was ideal for holiday decor, and the addition of a star at the top made it even more appealing. It seems the angels truly understood composition and aesthetics.
Nevertheless, even in Europe, the Christmas symbol spread slowly—it took about three hundred years. It wasn't until the 19th century that it became a widely accepted trademark associated with the Christmas holiday.
In Peter the Great's Russia, the fir tree was introduced by decree, but after the death of Peter the Great, its popularity declined significantly, and fir trees began to be found only on the roofs of taverns. While drinking has always been a cause for celebration for Russians, the fir tree trend only revived in the 1830s, thanks to the efforts of the Swiss confectionery lobby, which appealed to the affluent market of St. Petersburg. Emigrants from Rhaeto-Romania created a unique style, offering Christmas trees decorated with sweets, gingerbread, gilded nuts, and lanterns, which became a new symbol of the winter holidays and attracted the attention of city residents.
Over time, this identity began to permeate popular culture.
As New Year's symbols evolved, various mascots emerged, such as Father Frost, Snegurochka, the squirrel, snowflakes, and snowmen. The Anglo-Saxon reindeer are now replaced by three patriotic horses. During the Soviet period, a toddler boy was added to this list, personifying the young New Year and striving for space. Instead of the Star of Bethlehem, the top of the New Year's tree is now crowned with the Kremlin ruby star. This symbolism reflects the cultural changes and traditions associated with New Year's celebrations in Russia.
The corporate style of the New Year's holiday was enriched with culinary traditions, such as Olivier salad and herring Under a fur coat. Champagne, preferably Soviet-made, has become a must-have for New Year's celebrations accompanied by the chimes of the Kremlin clock, which also plays an important role in the soundtrack. And don't forget the famous film "The Irony of Fate...," which almost always plays in the background while preparing for the holiday, while salad ingredients are being chopped. These elements create a special atmosphere, filling the holiday with warmth and comfort, making it unforgettable. Happiness, perhaps, lies in the continuity of traditions. From Martin Luther to Zhenya Lukashin, the red and green Christmas thread serves as a symbol of the identity of this wonderful holiday, which we strive to keep in our hearts for a long time. Christmas fills us with warmth and hope, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy. This unique identity connects generations and helps us remember the importance of family values and kindness.
We don't rush to get rid of a fallen Christmas tree, fir, or pine, nor do we rush to dismantle the plastic structure and stow it away in a dusty attic. Each year, these trees and Christmas tree decorations create an atmosphere of celebration and warmth, and we prefer to enjoy them until the very last moment. Proper care of New Year's decorations helps extend their life and preserve holiday memories.
The Christmas tree is a symbol of hope for prosperity in the new year. This green beauty embodies optimism and confidence that the coming days will bring only positive changes. When life presents us with difficulties, the Christmas tree becomes a stronghold we are ready to cling to. She reminds us that even in the most difficult times, it is worth keeping faith in the best.
Read in our previous issues.
- Bringing Your Vision to Life: Do Neural Networks Understand Design?
- Herbarium Without a Kangaroo: How Many Meanings Are Acceptable for a Logo?
- Scare the Nymph: How the Psychology of Color Works and Does It Work at All?
- Should I Saw Shura? How Much a Logo Can Cost and Why You Shouldn't Reveal Its Price?
- Borrowed Stanislav, or a Case Study: Why You Shouldn't Blindly Trust Someone Else's Portfolio?
- The Right to Green Grass: Is It Necessary to Register a Brand's Color and What Makes a Logo Truly Noticeable?