Soviet Nostalgia: Vintage Christmas Decorations

Christmas and New Year traditions were closely intertwined in Soviet Union. Though the ruling Communist Party observed atheism as the official ideological party line, Christmas celebrations went through the test of time and survived. How? Let us plunge into the history and find out.

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© Sputnik / Vitaliy Ankov

A lot of people around the globe wonder why New Year in Russia seems to be more popular than Christmas. The answer lies in the Soviet period of Russia.

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© Sputnik / Ruslan Krivobok

The Soviet leadership tried to eradicate religion and declared Christmas an ordinary working day in 1929, banning its symbols including the Christmas tree as prejudices.
Above: Christmas tree decorations of WWII period exhibited in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War at the Poklonnaya Hill within the "Victory Christmas Tree" project.

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© Sputnik / Igor Boyko

Surprisingly, after an unexpected U-turn in the Communist Party‘s policy in 1935, Christmas was revived in the framework of New Year festivities.
Above: A set of toys "The Fire Horses". The Moscow Christmas tree decorations factory

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© Sputnik / Ruslan Krivobok

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The fir tree was brought back but now as the symbol of New Year, not Christmas. Thus, it is unsurprising that Russians usually call it the “New Year Fir” rather than a “Christmas Tree.”
Above: Christmas tree decorations of WWII period exhibited in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War at the Poklonnaya Hill within the "Victory Christmas Tree" project.

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© Sputnik / Oleg Zoloto

The Christmas Star was the Soviet five-pointed star, and former Christmas presents under the tree were New Year gifts.
Above: Finished goods of the Ariel Christmas tree decorations plant.

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© Sputnik / Dmitry Korobeinikov

Tree decorations of the Soviet period could not boast of fancy and luxury, as the country was moving through harsh conditions. But the toys, often hand-made by family members for each other, were full of heart and love. New Year is the most important family holiday in Russia.
Above: Ceramic Christmas tree toys on display at the Exhibiition of Christmas Tree Toys created by 20th-century craftsmen.

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© Sputnik / Maksimov

In 1935, the country organized the first New Year festival with a decorated fir. In 1938, a 15-meter fir adorned with 10,000 toys was placed in Moscow’s center. This tradition has been observed, and the tree is still the country’s main fir.

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© Sputnik / Ruslan Krivobok

In contrast with traditional Christmas toys – angels and the Child Jesus figures – Soviet toys mirrored the daily life and achievements of the people. Tractors, satellites, cosmonauts, glass airships were hung together with baby hares, bears and icicles.

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© Sputnik / Ruslan Krivobok

During the Great Patriotic War toys resembled planes, soldiers, battle tanks, handguns, dogs.
Above: Christmas tree decorations of WWII period exhibited in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War at the Poklonnaya Hill within the "Victory Christmas Tree" project.

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© Sputnik / Igor Boyko

After the War toys became “peaceful” again.
Above: A set of toys for a Christmas tree decorated with personages from Russian fairy-tales. The beginning of 1950s. The Moscow Christmas tree decorations factory.

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Items from Irina Keichina's collection of 1930s-70s Christmas tree decorations at the "Back to Childhood" exhibition of Soviet Christmas tree decorations in Vladivostok objectively portray the epoch.