Belarusian folklore in souvenir products
Belarusian folklore is rich and diverse, often intertwining with elements of reality. In this project, I chose to create souvenirs inspired by five folk legends.
On the basis of my illustrations, postcards, t-shirts, shoppers, pins and stickers, notepads, phone cases, pouches and posters were made.
I consider postcards to be the central element of the project. Each postcard features an illustration on the front and the corresponding legend on the back. This makes the postcards not only a visually appealing souvenir but also an informative one, offering insight into Belarusian culture. Text in Belarusian language. Let's take a look at them!
The Legend of the Black Mistress of Nesvizh
This is the legend of Barbara Radziwiłł, Queen of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. According to the tale, she was poisoned, but her love for her husband was so profound that her soul remained in the castle where she passed away.
Legend of Lake Naroch
This is the story of Nara, a girl who lost her beloved, Roch, after he was transformed into a water serpent. Heartbroken, she turned into a seagull and has been flying over the lake, crying for him ever since.
The Legend of Masheka the Bandit
According to legend, the site of the modern city of Mogilev was once a dense forest where the bandit Masheka lived. He was invincible, and no one could defeat him. However, after he fell in love with a girl and kidnapped her, she found a way to kill him. She buried him on a hill, which is now believed to be the location of the city’s cemetery.
The Legend of the Lady of the Amber Palace
This is the story of a girl from the Amber Palace, which once stood in the middle of a vast lake near the town of Pinsk. A prince sought to save her and drained the lake, but the palace and the girl vanished along with the water.
The legend of the holiday of Kupala
The Ivan Kupala holiday is still celebrated in Belarus , either on June 24 or July 7, depending on the Julian calendar. According to tradition, it is a time when forest spirits and witches are said to walk among people. A key custom involves searching for the mythical glowing flower of the fern, believed to grant strength, health, and the ability to understand the language of animals. On this day, young people gather to jump over fires, swim in lakes, weave wreaths, and hunt for the magical flower.
Poster of the show about the Black Mistress of Nesvizh
Poster of the Kupala celebration in the "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" National Park
Poster about Lake Naroch National Park and its services
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