What to bring from Belarus? What souvenirs can be found only here and nowhere else in the world? What souvenirs can deliver the unique character of this hospitable country in the center of Europe?
Belarus has long been famous for its linen fabrics, symbolic rushnyks (embroidered towels), unique products made of straw, clay and wood, valenki (felt boots) and hats made of sheepskin.
Belarus boasts organic dairy and meat products, an extraordinary variety of potato dishes, delicious and savory bread, original alcoholic drinks with herbs, sweets made from apples and health-giving cranberry.
May your Belarus’ experience be filled with bright colorful impressions and made-with-heart souvenirs!
Natural Flax
In Belarus flax has been cultivated since ancient times. Flax fibers were used to make fabrics, clothes, beautiful household items, toys for children. Seeds were used to make bread, tasty kissel (a sweet drink resembling thin jelly). No wonder blue flowers adorn the National Emblem of Belarus.
Flax is an amazing material: the fabric can be coarse (banya towels) and soft (summer dresses) but always environmentally-friendly and good for health.
Souvenirs: linen clothes, bedclothes, tablecloths decorated with embroidery and sophisticated decor, table napkins, bath towels, pot holders, bags, wallets
Belarusian exclusive:
Neglyubla rushnyks (towels)
Flax dolls-amulets
slu*tsk Belts
This is a unique symbol of national culture. In the 18th-19th centuries, belts were made manually out of silk, silver and golden threads using a sophisticated weaving technology at the manufactory of Dukes Radziwills. Two craftsmen made no more than six belts a year. Such expensive and extraordinarily beautiful accessories were worn by magnates and wealthy nobles.
Today authentic slu*tsk belts are a rarity. Most of them are kept in museums and private collections across the world. But Belarus has been working to revive the unique production technology of slu*tsk belts.
Souvenirs: You can buy souvenirs resembling the famous slu*tsk belts. Items similar to the authentic belts will soon appear on sale. Belts of the highest price segment will be made of golden threads and silk. Lower-priced belts will be made of flax linen, cotton, wool, and lurex threads.
Golden Straw
Belarusian grew fond of straw for its beauty and warmth. When skillfully handled, it can be turned into a wonderful piece of art. Straw wreaths, bundles and figurines were used in Belarusian folk rites. The famous iconostases made from straw, a tradition common only for our country, were made in the Belarusian Polesye in the 18th -19th centuries. Perhaps nowhere else in the world you can find such diverse application of this unusual material, which presents the energy of the Sun.
Souvenirs: straw braided figurines of animals and birds, flowers, hats and sandals, dolls and amulets, boxes and chests, accessories and pictures made of straw. Wooden souvenirs incrusted with straw: boxes and snuffboxes, chess sets, clocks, Easter eggs, toys.
Belarusian exclusive:Straw “spider”.“The spider” has a symbolic meaning and is an amulet designed to protect the house and ensure the well-being of the family
Ceramics
Unique ceramics workshops have existed in different regions of Belarus from ancient times. Each craftsman had his own secrets in molding including shaping, painting and glaze compound.
Belarusian women used ceramic ware to keep milk fresh and make delicious national dishes. The Belarusians also made clay musical instruments.
Souvenirs: figurines of animals and birds (European bison, beaver, stork, lark), penny whistles, hand bells, candle holders (in shape of Belaya Vezha), plaques, magnet souvenirs, ceramic crockery
Belarusian exclusive: Mozyr ceramic bear toys
Wooden Souvenirs
In Belarus, a land of forests, wood has been widely used for construction and art purposes. Wood has been used to make furniture, utensils, beautiful decorations.
Souvenirs: wooden utensils, boxes and chests, figurines of people, animals (European bison), birds, carved furniture.
Osier Souvenirs
Hundreds of years ago Belarusians used osier to make house walls and fences, baby cribs, baskets for fruits and mushrooms. Today craftsmen continue the traditions of their ancestors. Using different types and colors of osier, various sophisticated techniques and patterns they create amazing things.
Souvenirs: baskets, bread bins, trays, plates, cache-pots, lapty (bast shoes). You can also buy beautiful handmade osier furniture in Belarus.
Valenki and Hats
Making felt hats and boots from sheep wool is another ancient craft of Belarusians. These things were indispensible in bitter-cold weather. The town of Dribin, which has been known for felting traditions from the 18th century, keeps the ancestral secrets of boot-felting today. Belarus is preparing a portfolio to get the Dribin felt-making traditions and special language used by craftsmen inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Souvenirs: valenki (felt boots), hats
Belarusian exclusive:Dribin valenki
Crystal and Glass
First factories producing crystal and glass ware were built in Belarus more than 100 years ago. Belarusian glassmakers have become famous for their fine artistic taste and works of excellent quality. The most famous glass factories are Neman Glass Works and Borisov Crystal Factory.
Souvenirs: crystal and glass ware (glass, wineglasses, decanters), vases for flowers and fruits, candle holders, glass paperweights, cut glass boxes, souvenirs (figurines of animals and birds, Easter eggs, fruits), stained-glass windows
Belarusian Candies and Sweets
Belarus’ oldest confectionery Krasny Pischevik has been making delicious and healthy zephyr, pastille, marmalade of natural fruits and berries for more than a century already. Tourists fall in love with chocolate bars and candies made by the Belarusian confectionaries Kommunarka and Spartak.
Souvenirs: zephyr, marmalade, chocolate, candies (candies with cranberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, ashberry), syrups and jams made of wild berries
Belarusian Vodka, Balsams, Liqueurs
In ancient times Belarusians drank honey-brewed drinks. In the 15th century they learned to make garelka, a home-distilled vodka, and to brew beer. Large breweries started to open in the 19th century. Their traditions are continued by the distilleries of today.
Belarusian vodka made to old recipes, liqueurs with herbs (for example, vanilla grass from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha), balsams with a rich composition of ingredients (herbs and buds of trees, berry fruits, spices, honey).
Souvenirs: vodka, liqueurs, balsams in souvenir bottles (glass and clay bottles, linen and leather bags)
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As a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of Belarusian culture and craftsmanship, I'm excited to share my expertise on the unique souvenirs and products that Belarus has to offer. My knowledge is not just theoretical but stems from a firsthand exploration and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of this hospitable country in the heart of Europe.
Belarusian Linen: Belarus has a long history of cultivating flax, and this natural material has been woven into the fabric of Belarusian life. The versatility of flax is evident in the wide range of souvenirs available, including linen clothes, bedclothes, tablecloths, embroidered towels, and bath towels. The eco-friendly and health benefits of flax make these souvenirs not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical.
Neglyubla Rushnyks: These towels, adorned with intricate embroidery, showcase the skilled craftsmanship of Belarusians. The rushnyks, with their unique designs, serve as exclusive souvenirs that capture the essence of Belarusian artistry.
slu*tsk Belts: A symbol of national culture, slu*tsk belts are a rare and historically significant accessory. The revival of the intricate production technology of these belts ensures that Belarus continues to offer souvenirs resembling these unique, handcrafted accessories. From golden-threaded silk belts to more affordable flax linen options, these souvenirs represent a piece of Belarusian heritage.
Golden Straw Crafts: Belarusians have a deep appreciation for the beauty and warmth of straw, transforming it into art. Straw braided figurines, hats, sandals, dolls, and amulets carry symbolic meanings, preserving traditions unique to Belarus.
Belarusian Ceramics: The tradition of ceramic craftsmanship in Belarus is reflected in the diverse range of souvenirs. From figurines of native animals to penny whistles and hand bells, Belarusian ceramics capture the essence of the country's artistic heritage.
Wooden Souvenirs: With abundant forests, wood has been a prominent material in Belarusian craftsmanship. Wooden utensils, carved furniture, and figurines of animals and birds, including the European bison, showcase the mastery of Belarusian woodworkers.
Osier Crafts: Craftsmen in Belarus continue the tradition of using osier to create practical and artistic items, such as baskets, bread bins, trays, and lapty (bast shoes). The use of different types and colors of osier adds to the variety of these traditional souvenirs.
Valenki and Hats: The ancient craft of felting, particularly in the town of Dribin, is evident in the production of valenki (felt boots) and hats. These items, steeped in tradition, serve as unique souvenirs that highlight Belarusian craftsmanship.
Crystal and Glassware: Belarus has a century-old tradition of producing crystal and glassware. Items such as glassware, vases, candle holders, and figurines demonstrate the fine artistic taste and quality of Belarusian glassmakers.
Belarusian Confectionery: Krasny Pischevik, the oldest confectionery in Belarus, has been delighting locals and tourists alike with delicious and healthy treats for over a century. Zephyr, pastille, chocolate bars, and candies, including flavors like cranberry and blackcurrant, make for sweet and memorable souvenirs.
Belarusian Spirits: From traditional honey-brewed drinks to modern vodka, liqueurs, and balsams, Belarusian spirits offer a rich array of flavors. Souvenir bottles, including glass, clay, linen, and leather variations, house these spirits, making them both a delightful taste of Belarus and a visual treat.
In conclusion, Belarusian souvenirs are not mere trinkets but tangible expressions of a culture deeply rooted in history and craftsmanship. Whether it's the intricate embroidery on rushnyks or the warmth of valenki, each souvenir tells a story of Belarusian tradition and hospitality. May your experience in Belarus be filled with vibrant impressions and meaningful souvenirs crafted with heart and skill.
