#272

Received: June 9th, 2014

From: Alexandra (Yekaterinburg, Russia)

Depicts: Sevastyanov's House (Yekaterinburg, Russia)

This is the second of three cards that Alexandra sent me. This building really intrigued me when I saw it on the card so I went and looked for it, and it turns out that it's Sevastyanov's House. Nikolay Sevastyanov was a successful merchant that lived in the beginning of the 18th century and wanted to make a statement in the city to show his fortune - and so he did. And he never lived in the house, he just rented it to rich visitors.

Alexandra also told me something I didn't know: the most popular holiday in Russia is the Victory Day, which is celebrated in May, 9th, and refers to the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union during the II World War in 1945. She also told me about the Apple Spas, in August 19th, which is a "Savior feast day" and welcomes the Autumn; the traditions say that after that day, the nights become long and dark. She also mentioned Kupala Day, in July 6th and 7th, which relates to the Summer solstice, and finally, the Christmas, which in Russia is celebrated in January 7th.

Postcard stamp:

None, since it came in an envelope.

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