It is impossible to visit a foreign country and not to bring some pieces of new land symbolizing it. There are a lot of little souvenirs that present each country and are taken always by visitors as a sign of reminiscence. The most common national souvenirs are the embodiment of country's traditions and history. They help foreigners to ?touch? the history of the certain country. There is also a tradition to bring little presents to relatives and close friends in many countries. People try to bring something especially traditional to the country: for examples chocolates and watches from Switzerland, perfumes from France, papyrus from Egypt, etc. As for Russia, this country is not only the biggest in the world but probably also the country that has the longest list of traditional souvenirs that includes traditionally painted jewelry boxes or Russian wooden eggs, amber decorations, matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), woolen shawls, famous Russian samovar, etc.

The special place in this list is occupied by Russian wooden souvenirs such as matryoshka, eggs and wooden jewelry boxes. The long history, numerous traditions, customs, folklore, ancient and modern beliefs and arts are present in this kind of Russian souvenirs. Russian hand-made works are well-known all over the world where a special interest is kept by wooden souvenirs.

It is interesting and unbelievable that the history of some of these Russian wooden souvenirs counts about thousands of years and their shape and appearance is kept in perfect details. These objects during the centuries have not been just souvenirs; they are widely used in everyday life both for practical application and decoration.

It seems that matryoshka is one of the most favorite Russian souvenirs all over the world. Sometimes these Russian wooden souvenirs-toys are called also Babushka what is not correctly because ?babushka? means old lady in Russia and not young and beautiful one that is always depicted on the surface of matryoshka symbolizing ideal wife. The name of this toy inherited from the girl's name Matryona that was one of the commonest during the centuries. The peculiarity of this doll-toy is a set of little matryoshka hidden inside. The number of these little inside dolls is 2-28 but there are also phenomena of 48 and 60 dolls inside. In contrast to western ideals Russian matryoshka presents plump, stout, rosy cheek young women that are health and ready to help their husband bringing up many children. Many visitors are tending to bring this Russian ?beauty? to their families to let other members to touch the history of great nation.

Another sample of Russian wooden souvenirs are lacquer painted boxes. The technique of their painting got its speeding development in the beginning of 20th century. The theme of depictions tells foreigners about Russian history nature and people. The most wide-spread colors used in such boxes are red and black. Certainly all wooden jewelry boxes are hand-crafted made that is why sometimes the price is rather expensive. The tradition of Russian wooden souvenirs eggs can be traced into the history of Russian Royal Family. The best samples were made by Karl Faberge and are exhibited in Moscow Kremlin today. The wooden eggs are also well-known all over the world as traditional Russian souvenirs.