India, Asia - Elephant

This elephant was brought back to me from India by people I know who are from there when they were visiting home. Elephants are my favourite animals (although I have to say I prefer African elephants). African elehpants' ears are much bigger than Asian elephants'. Asian elephants' backs curve up whereas African elephants' backs curve down. There are other differences but those two are the main ones, as well as the fact that Asian elephants tend to be smaller. In India elephants can be used for work such as carrying logs as they are easier to train than African elephants. They are also sometimes decorated intricately for religious festivals.

Picture taken by me.

Malaysia, Asia - Fan

My cousin brought me back this fan when she visited Malaysia. The climate in Malaysia is mostly a tropical rainforest climate so these handy folding fans are useful. The fancy designs show an Asian scene.

Photo taken by me.

Australia, Oceania - Koala

I got this koala from my uncle and auntie when they came back from visiting my cousin who lives in Australia. Koalas are native only to Australia and live along the east coast. They usually eat only eucalyptus leaves and only drink water if there is not enough moisture in the leaves or if they are sick. Like kangaroos, they are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch. Their pouches are upside-down so they have strong muscles around the pouch to stop their young from falling out. Koalas live almost entirely in trees. They tend to live from 13-20 years in the wild.

Picture taken by me. Information for post gained from www.koalaexpress.com.au

Russian, Europe/Asia - Russian Dolls

These are not strictly a souveneir from Russia as they were bought in Ireland. However, they do represent Russia, the largest country in the world. The Russian word for these stacking dolls is 'matryoshka'.It has no particular meaning but may come from the Matriona which was common for women among Russian peasants. The first known doll made in this style was a Japanese figure called 'Fukuruma'. Although originally from Japan, these dolls are more famously Russian. Traditionally, they have detailed designed, often flowered, but themed sets have been made such as Russian leaders and nativity sets.
Information for posts gained from www.russian-crafts.com

Picture taken by me

Holland, Europe - Wooden Clogs

These wooden pencil-holder clogs were brought back to me by my uncle and auntie when they visited Holland. They represent the wooden shoes that are associated with that country. Wooden clogs were popular with farmers of Holland because of their protection against hot and cold as well as the fact that they make walking on mud easier. They also protect your feet from falling objects and worn out clogs could be burnt for firewood.

Picture taken by me Information for post gained from www.dutch-clogs.com

Hi, I'm Beth. I have built up a collection of ornament souvenirs which people I know have brought me back from various countries they visited. I will write in this blog about the countries I have souvenirs from and the significance to the people of each country of what the ornament represents.