Marriage Retreat:

“The warmth inside their dacha held back the harsh everyday life that tore away at their youth “

Artist: Patricia S. Arnold

"Marriage Retreat"

When we think of Russia we often have a vision of the Kremlin or Red Square. But Russian Lapti represent this ancient nation in a greater and more lasting way than any of its grand buildings. Lapti are the shoes worn by the vast majority of the peasant and village population for hundreds of years. Made of strips from the birch tree, they were woven together with great craftsmanship and worn virtually everywhere. They represent the simplicity of family life, home, marriage, and yes, even love between a husband and wife. Shoes are never worn inside as this would only bring the grime of the outside world into the home. Instead, the Lapti would hang by the door and wait for the next trip outside to carry out daily chores of life. Shoes today are often thought of fashion statements and designed as such. But shoes are about living life, and life can be harsh with all its challenges. When they hang by the door though, the cares of life can pass by even if for just a few hours, and love in the home can be a pleasure.

Art work and story telling by Patricia S. Arnold

Patricia.arnold59@comcast.net