Zhimulikha, Shenkursk district, Arkhangelsk Province
Brightly painted sledges were an important aspect of winter festivities in northern Russia. Sledging was one of the most popular pastimes of young people. Careering downhill, a young man would stop to pick up a young maiden; husbands often met their future wives in this way. Sledges were a popular present to fiancées. They were decorated with painted flowers, plants, birds and other symbols of good luck