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| | Sled — popular type of carriage without wheels, usually have runners. Sleighs are driven by horses, deer, mules, bulls and dogs.
Sleds were the most ancient carriage, developed from initial buck-rakes and used not only in the northern countries but also in southern countries, for example, in Egypt. Many people, already popular with wheel carriages, according to custom, used sleds in funeral ceremony (Ancient Egypt, Ancient Russia etc.).
In pre-Pertine Russia, sleds were more popular even in summers due to inadequacy of roads and streets and also comparatively low cost of sleds. In marshy places and woods, sleds were used in summers till the beginning of XX-th century. In Ancient Russia, ride on sleds was considered as more honorable than on wheels due to which, the sleds were used during all grand occasions especially by higher ministerial personnel, preferring them even in summers till the end of XVII century.Ancient sleds looked like a boat with edges, bent from front and back or long box, narrowing in the front, in which it was possible to lie. Large portion of the sled was occupied by single horse and was driven by driver, who sat on the astride. sleds distinguished with rich decoration at notable boyars and especially, at grand dukes and kings; imperial sleds often cost 200—300 rubles. Usually, they traveled alone in sleds and two persons very rarely but during visits, for example, two boyars stood on the footboards and two stewards at king’s legs on specially made steps or on “ledges” in king Aleksey Mikhailovich’s sled.
Female sleds are identical, with respect to shape, with sleds, used by men , but were little bit wider and were equipped with poles on sides and cloth was hung on poles; thus sleds were covered from top and from both sides. In ceremonies, special importance is given to sleds in weddings and during funerals. In first case, bride was offered the most elegant sled, covered with satin, velvet and with rich carpets and the harness is decorated accordingly. Bride went to church with matchmakers, holding sables over her and from back from church— with the bridegroom.
First annalistic information about the use of sled during funerals date back to funeral description of Vladimir Svytoslavich approximately near 1015: body of the dead man was not only carried to church in a sled but also put him in church on a sled. Latest information, before XVII century, also indicate the use of sled during funerals of grand-ducal and king’s family members. Sometimes, sleds served as stretcher for widow, accompanying the coffin or mother of dead person. According to study of professor D.N. Anuchin, sleds were used during funerals not only by entire Slavic people but also in Finland, in Western Europe and even in Egypt (where mummies, in standing position, were carried in sleds).
Modern use
Sleds are used in rural areas of those countries, where snowy winter is witnessed. Sleds are used also in sports purposes (sled sports). In various areas of national economy, propeller sleighs are used. |
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