This girl, in traditional Russian clothing, is presenting a loaf of bread symbolizing welcome or hospitality. (For more explanation about hospitality in Eastern Europe, see Slavic Hospitality) In the traditional "bread and salt" ceremony, a cellar of salt was placed upon the loaf of bread (usually presented upon an embroidered towel) during celebrations of welcome and marriage. This tradition is still sometimes practiced.
The traditional dress worn by this girl is called as sarafan and the traditional cap is called a kokoshnik.
More Russian culture:
