The ancient Slavs had their own traditions to celebrate holidays. The Winter Festival was the most fabulous—it was a time when all awaited a miracle, with the hope that this time, the spirits would fulfill their fondest dreams. Before Russian Czar Peter I (1672–1725) decreed that the new year would begin on January 1st, the new year was celebrated at different times: in September; in December, at the Winter Solstice; centuries earlier, in March; and the day of the Spring Solstice. Regardless of when the year officially began, winter was the time for weddings. Beginning in October, young girls and women would gather to spin, knit, and embroider for upcoming weddings.

I designed the Winter Festival Shawl, a warm shawl, in honor of this tradition. The shawl was worn on top of winter clothes and as a coat during the wedding ceremony. I used Orenburg-style lace elements and patterns, including Diagonals, Beaded Way, Saw-Blade Way, Strawberry, Large Strawberry, Cat’s Paw, and Flies. The shawl’s focal point is its wide border with a different but overlapping set of motifs: Strawberry, Cat’s Paw, Flies, Sprigs, and Flowers. The main body is knitted with a simple garter-stitch pattern, which keeps the body warm in winter. The scalloped edges are pinned out during blocking.

Celebrate winter festivals and winter weddings. Knit the shawl, wear it, and be happy!