Vacuum cleaners were something of a luxury item in pre- and post WWII Russia. Plus they weren’t as powerful as they are now. All of these and the fact that winter normally brings lots of snow have contributed to the carpet beating tradition. It is still around but diminishes each year due to the changes in the household habits. And yes – husbands are no longer considering taking a carpet out for a beating a gift to their wives. Recorded on a sunny January afternoon: the two locals with small plactic rugbeaters in their hands and a few carpets on squeaky crucnhy fresh snow. Nostalgic!
Recorded January 5th, 2010
Published January 5th, 2010 (3 mb).