by Merry Stahel
These Matryoshka Nativity dolls from the Ukraine were given to me by my boss this year. The dolls originated in Russia in the 1890s. Ukraine and Poland make the themed nesting dolls, too. Each doll is hand-painted and fits inside the next biggest one. When they are all nested, only the largest doll is visible. The Holy Family is the largest, then the kings, a shepherd, a sheep, and a dove.
The song: Ukrainian Christmas Carol – Heaven And Earth sung by Yevshan Chorale Ensemble at St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hartford, Connecticut directed by Alexander Kuzma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShZEleBAPHE
