Currents of culture - Independence Day

The currents of time and tradition flow from a deep place to the surface. This was what we saw during the Independence Day celebration in Odessa. The banks of Primorsky Boulevard overflowed with hidden currents of culture for just a week, and then, just as suddenly, the flood was gone. But what a rich outpouring.

The boulevard was packed for half a mile with vendors of homemade handicrafts that don't flow through the stores.

For some reason the pair of chickens at the top of the picture (heads cut off by the camera, so to speak) caught our interest. Relaxed, playful. You should have seen her. Fun pair. But we resisted the impulse to purchase. 

After all there were many other things to see. 

Jewelry...

Ceramics...

Fine beadwork...

Twine dolls...

Goofy knitted caps (for playing Great Dalmuti)...

Folk icons for good luck...

Ornate decorated eggs. The ones that look white have delicate wax designs placed by hand one bead at a time. (Bought some.)

Baskets made of sliced walnut shells...

Vishy Vanka, finely-embroidered shirts...

Good will and lots of food...

More food...

Music...

And loving families with love like the one we raised. Same teasing, same laughing, same playfulness.

Just one regret...

Should have bought the chickens. They went away before we could get back to buy them. Maybe when the subterranean current of culture surfaces next year for a few bright days, they will be back.