Question

1.Why did people in ancient Rus build wooden houses? 2.Do you know any open-air museums of ancient wooden houses inRussia? Name them.3.When a family moves into a new flat/house, they sometimes let a catgo inside first. Can you explain why?​

Answer 1

Ответ:

1. The tree in Russia was very widespread, it was convenient to transport it

2. Ethnographic open-air museum named after V.I. Romanova

3. Because the cat first needs to get used to the house so that he does not get scared

Answer 2

1. People in ancient Rus, and in many other parts of the world, built wooden houses for several reasons:

   a. Availability of resources: Wood was a readily available building material in the region, and it was relatively easy to obtain and work with compared to stone or other materials.

   b. Climate considerations: Wooden houses provided better insulation and warmth in the cold Russian climate. Wood is a natural insulator and retains heat better than other materials.

   c. Construction techniques: Traditional Russian carpentry skills were well-developed, making it practical to build sturdy and functional wooden structures.

   d. Cultural traditions: Wooden architecture was deeply ingrained in Russian culture and tradition, and many communities had a long history of constructing wooden churches, houses, and other buildings.

2. Yes, there are several open-air museums in Russia that showcase ancient wooden houses and traditional architecture. Some of the notable ones include:

   a. Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life (Suzdal): Located in Suzdal, this museum features a collection of historic wooden structures, including houses, churches, and mills, showcasing rural Russian life from different time periods.

   b. Kizhi Island: Situated in Lake Onega, Kizhi Island is home to the Kizhi Pogost, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of several wooden churches and bell towers, some dating back to the 18th century.

   c. Taltsy Museum (Irkutsk): This museum in Siberia preserves historic wooden buildings from the 17th to the 20th centuries, representing the architectural diversity of the region.

   d. Khokhlovka Architectural and Ethnographic Museum (Perm Krai): Khokhlovka showcases various types of wooden architecture and artifacts from the Perm Krai region, offering insights into the local culture and history.

3. The tradition of letting a cat go inside a new home before the family moves in is a superstition or belief in some cultures, including Russian folklore. There are a few reasons why people do this:

   a. Ward off evil spirits: In many cultures, cats are believed to have a strong connection to the spirit world and are thought to have the ability to sense supernatural entities. Allowing a cat to enter the new home first is believed to help ward off any potential evil spirits or negative energy that may be present.

   b. Testing for safety: Cats are known for their agility and ability to sense danger. By letting a cat explore the new environment first, some believe that it can help identify any potential hazards or hidden threats, ensuring the safety of the family.

   c. Bringing good luck: Cats have also been associated with good luck in various cultures. Allowing a cat to enter the new home is seen as a way to bring prosperity and positive energy to the household.

It's important to note that these beliefs are rooted in superstition and folklore, and not everyone follows these traditions when moving into a new home.