Kremlin chooses New Year's tree
Published 19 December, 2008, 09:49
Russia's premier New Year's tree has been felled on Friday in one of the most ecologically pure woods in the Moscow region.
The fir will now be carefully shipped to the Kremlin.
Over a century old and 33 meters high, the fir will adorn Moscow's Cathedral Square within Moscow’s Kremlin walls throughout the holiday season.
By Saturday night it will arrive at the Kremlin and by next week it will be standing tall and proud.
The tradition of New Year trees in Russia dates back to the 17th century.
In recent years the Kremlin fir has been chosen from the same region, with a farewell festive performance taking place before it is cut down.
A marching band, singers, dancers in traditional dress and even Father Frost himself, accompanied by his ‘granddaughter’, Snow Maiden (Snegurochka in Russian), took part in the ceremony.
Those who had made the journey to see the tree being cut down said it was a day to remember.
“We saw previous New Year trees, but we never saw it so close because it will now reside in the Kremlin. As such it won’t be possible to take a good look later. This tree is very beautiful,” said Ilya Egorov, a spectator.
To cast a glance at the magnificent tree too, click to watch the video.
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