The figurine was made at the “Proletary” porcelain factory in 2004. It shows a cock sitting on a white overturned jug. The image of a porcelain bird is associated with Maslenitsa, one of the main holidays of the ancient Slavs.
It was believed that the cock symbolizes the sun and fire, as well as protects from destructive fire and evil spirits. The bird was used in various rituals, including the Maslenitsa festivities. The cock was tied to the top of the pole and the participants were invited to climb up and get it without assistance. For young people, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their strength and agility. Those who passed the test received various prizes: a live bird, amulets, and talismans in the form of the sun, and decorative figures of a cock. It was also believed that supreme forces blessed the winners on this day.
Maslenitsa was celebrated annually, and in addition to the game called “get the cock”, other competitions such as horseback riding and fistfights were held at the festival. The main dish at the festivities was round flatbreads, and later pancakes. They symbolized the sun, which shone more and more often with the coming of spring. The colors of the decoration also had a meaning: red symbolized the onset of warmth, and green stood for the revival of nature.
The masters of the “Proletary” factory brought these traditions into sculpture. For painting, they used bright-saturated colors: red for the tuft and nose, orange for the body of the bird, and green for the grass. To make the figure shine, the sculptors added lusterware — special iridescent paints.
The Maslenitsa festivities lasted a whole week, and each day had its own rituals and ceremonies. For example, Monday was called “Greeting Maslenitsa”. On this day, preparations began which included making a straw dummy and baking pancakes. The first portion of pancakes was given to the poor and needy. Tuesday was named “Merriment” because on this day everyone was resting and having fun: they went sledding, tobogganing, and riding carousels.
On the last day of Maslenitsa week — “Shrove Sunday” — they said goodbye to winter and symbolically burned the Maslenitsa dummy. On this day, it was customary to ask each other for forgiveness for the insults inflicted over the year.
It was believed that the cock symbolizes the sun and fire, as well as protects from destructive fire and evil spirits. The bird was used in various rituals, including the Maslenitsa festivities. The cock was tied to the top of the pole and the participants were invited to climb up and get it without assistance. For young people, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their strength and agility. Those who passed the test received various prizes: a live bird, amulets, and talismans in the form of the sun, and decorative figures of a cock. It was also believed that supreme forces blessed the winners on this day.
Maslenitsa was celebrated annually, and in addition to the game called “get the cock”, other competitions such as horseback riding and fistfights were held at the festival. The main dish at the festivities was round flatbreads, and later pancakes. They symbolized the sun, which shone more and more often with the coming of spring. The colors of the decoration also had a meaning: red symbolized the onset of warmth, and green stood for the revival of nature.
The masters of the “Proletary” factory brought these traditions into sculpture. For painting, they used bright-saturated colors: red for the tuft and nose, orange for the body of the bird, and green for the grass. To make the figure shine, the sculptors added lusterware — special iridescent paints.
The Maslenitsa festivities lasted a whole week, and each day had its own rituals and ceremonies. For example, Monday was called “Greeting Maslenitsa”. On this day, preparations began which included making a straw dummy and baking pancakes. The first portion of pancakes was given to the poor and needy. Tuesday was named “Merriment” because on this day everyone was resting and having fun: they went sledding, tobogganing, and riding carousels.
On the last day of Maslenitsa week — “Shrove Sunday” — they said goodbye to winter and symbolically burned the Maslenitsa dummy. On this day, it was customary to ask each other for forgiveness for the insults inflicted over the year.
