The Flickr Ruraltraditions Image Generatr

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This page simply reformats the Flickr public Atom feed for purposes of finding inspiration through random exploration. These images are not being copied or stored in any way by this website, nor are any links to them or any metadata about them. All images are © their owners unless otherwise specified.

This site is a busybee project and is supported by the generosity of viewers like you.

11 Jan 2025 45th Whittlesea Strawbear Festival by dan.dtm

© dan.dtm, all rights reserved.

11 Jan 2025 45th Whittlesea Strawbear Festival

I remembered the Strawbear festival from a visit with our young family over a decade ago. It was an amazingly colourful spectacle that attracted 20 to 40 serious photographers. I was amazed to see at least two dry plate cameras in use. It was incredibly hard to get good shots with people swarming everywhere. The photographers in front of the procession had to run, turn shoot, shoot, and then run again as if they were a retreating army before the advancing plough, plough drawn by plough boys and bear with his keeper leading a vast column of musicians and dancers. Great fun
#LearningbyDoing
#RuralLifePhotography
#MorrisDancing
#MollyDancing
#ClogDancing
#SwordDancing
#photography
#PloughMonday
#StrawbearTuesday
#postcard
#ruralcustoms
#platecamera
#Ruraltraditions
#Strawbear
#Whittlesey

The last riders of Udabno: guardians of the sheep by B℮n

© B℮n, all rights reserved.

The last riders of Udabno: guardians of the sheep

photo rights reserved by Ben

From the high mountains of Gergeti, via Mtskheta, we arrived in the semi-desert landscape of Udabno — a world of vast emptiness and rolling hills. Udabno is located in eastern Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan, and forms a fascinating contrast to the green, mountainous regions of the country. Here stretches a vast semi-desert landscape of colorful, rolling hills, dusty tracks, and endless horizons. The earth glows in shades of yellow, red, and brown, especially when the sun hangs low in the sky, and the silence is almost tangible. In this rugged environment, traditional shepherds still roam. With small flocks, they move across the open terrain on foot or horseback, searching for patches of grass. Sometimes they appear as tiny dots on the horizon, their loyal dogs at their sides. Their simple, hardy way of life has changed little over the centuries, giving the region an authentic, timeless feel. The combination of the striking landscape, the profound stillness, and the presence of the shepherds makes Udabno a truly unique place where time seems to stand still.

Shepherds have shaped Georgian life for generations, guiding their flocks across rugged, open landscapes. In Udabno, they move slowly through the semi-desert on foot or horseback, following ancient routes across the hills. Their loyal dogs help them keep the sheep together, while horses carry them across the vast distances. Life here is simple and demanding, closely tied to the rhythms of nature. In the wide silence of Udabno, the sight of a shepherd on horseback feels like a timeless scene.

Vanuit de hoge bergen van Gergeti, via Mtskheta, belandden we in het halfwoestijnachtige landschap van Udabno — een wereld van uitgestrekte leegte en golvende heuvels. Udabno ligt in het oosten van Georgië, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan, en vormt een fascinerend contrast met de groene, bergachtige delen van het land. Hier ontvouwt zich een uitgestrekt halfwoestijnachtig landschap met kleurrijke, golvende heuvels, stoffige paden en eindeloze horizonten. De aarde kleurt in tinten geel, rood en bruin, vooral wanneer de zon laag aan de hemel staat, en de stilte is bijna tastbaar. In deze ruige omgeving leven nog altijd traditionele schapenherders. Met kleine kuddes trekken ze te voet of te paard door het open terrein, op zoek naar grazige stukken land. Soms verschijnen ze als stipjes aan de horizon, hun honden wakend aan hun zijde. Hun eenvoudige, stoere levensstijl lijkt al eeuwenlang onveranderd en geeft deze streek een authentieke sfeer. De combinatie van het bijzondere landschap, de diepe rust en de aanwezigheid van de herders maakt Udabno tot een unieke plek waar de tijd lijkt stil te staan.

Wintersdorf Gathering Afterglow by kewl

Available under a Creative Commons by license

Wintersdorf Gathering Afterglow

The aftermath of the Burgbrennen in Wintersdorf, featuring a charred wooden cross.

Ekolari Market – where tradition counts, one bead at a time by B℮n

© B℮n, all rights reserved.

Ekolari Market – where tradition counts, one bead at a time

photo rights reserved by Ben

The Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgia, is a small, local shop where locals and travelers can buy groceries and traditional Georgian products. In an increasingly digital world, one thing stands out: the woman at the cash register still uses an abacus to calculate amounts. This adds a nostalgic and authentic touch to the shopping experience and reflects how some traditional methods are still used in remote areas. Such markets play an important role in the community, not only as a place of trade but also as a social meeting place. Local products such as fresh bread, cheese, honey and herbs can often be found here, along with basic necessities for daily life.

An abacus, also known as a counting frame, is one of the oldest calculating tools in the world. It consists of rows of beads that can be moved along rods to perform addition, subtraction, and even multiplication and division. While it has been largely replaced by digital calculators and computers in many parts of the world, it is still used in some regions, especially in small markets, traditional shops, and by older generations who grew up using it. In countries like Georgia, Russia, and China, the use of an abacus is still occasionally seen, particularly among small traders who find it faster and more reliable than an electronic cash register. It requires skill and practice, and experienced users can calculate incredibly fast. The fact that a woman in the Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda still uses an abacus offers a charming glimpse into how traditional methods continue to play a role in daily life, even in an increasingly digital world.

De Ekolari Market in Stepantsminda, Georgië, is een kleine, lokale winkel waar inwoners en reizigers terecht kunnen voor dagelijkse boodschappen en traditionele Georgische producten. In een wereld die steeds digitaler wordt, valt hier iets bijzonders op: de vrouw bij de kassa gebruikt nog een telraam om bedragen te berekenen. Dit geeft een nostalgisch en authentiek tintje aan de winkelervaring en weerspiegelt hoe sommige traditionele methoden in afgelegen gebieden nog steeds worden gebruikt. Dergelijke markten spelen een belangrijke rol in de gemeenschap, niet alleen als handelsplek maar ook als sociale ontmoetingsplaats. Lokale producten zoals vers brood, kaas, honing en kruiden zijn hier vaak te vinden, samen met basisbenodigdheden voor het dagelijks leven.

Trilho "Moinhos de Santa Isabel" by vmribeiro.net

© vmribeiro.net, all rights reserved.

Trilho "Moinhos de Santa Isabel"

Queimada sazonal realizada na União das Freguesias de Chorense e Monte, em Terras do Bouro, observada durante a caminhada no trilho "Moinhos de Santa Isabel". Estas práticas, quando controladas, são utilizadas tradicionalmente para a renovação do solo e gestão da vegetação, contribuindo para a prevenção de incêndios florestais descontrolados e para a manutenção do ecossistema local.

Echoes of the past: ancient shepherd shelter in the Kazbek highlands by B℮n

© B℮n, all rights reserved.

Echoes of the past: ancient shepherd shelter in the Kazbek highlands

photo rights reserved by Ben

Farmers in the Kazbegi region of Georgia lead a simple but hard life. The climate is harsh, with severe winters and short summers. The rocky soil and mountainous terrain make farming a challenge, so most farmers focus on livestock, especially sheep and cattle. They also grow cold-resistant crops such as potatoes and barley. The photo shows the ruins of stone huts, remnants of ancient shepherds’ shelters in the Kazbegi region. These simple structures, often built from local stone, provided shelter for herders as they herded their livestock in the vast mountain pastures. Their location in the rugged landscape, surrounded by imposing mountains, reflects the herders’ remote and self-sufficient lifestyle. In the summer, they moved their herds to higher grasslands, while these shelters served as temporary shelters from the cold and strong winds. Today, these ruins stand as silent witnesses to an age-old tradition that still lives on in the Kazbegi region, where herders and nomadic communities continue to tend their livestock in harmony with nature.

The ruins of stone huts in the Kazbegi region are the remains of ancient shepherds' huts, built from local stone. They served as shelters for shepherds tending their livestock in the mountain pastures. These simple structures reflect the remote and self-sufficient lifestyle that still persists in the region.

Boeren in de Kazbegi-regio in Georgië leiden een eenvoudig maar zwaar bestaan. Het klimaat is ruw, met strenge winters en korte zomers. Door de rotsachtige bodem en het bergachtige terrein is landbouw een uitdaging, waardoor de meeste boeren zich richten op veeteelt, met name schapen en koeien. Daarnaast verbouwen ze gewassen die bestand zijn tegen de kou, zoals aardappelen en gerst. De foto toont de ruïnes van stenen hutten, overblijfselen van oude herdersverblijven in de Kazbegi-regio. Deze eenvoudige bouwwerken, vaak opgetrokken uit lokaal gesteente, boden onderdak aan herders die hun vee hoedden in de uitgestrekte bergweiden. De ligging in het ruige landschap, omringd door imposante bergen, weerspiegelt de afgelegen en zelfvoorzienende levensstijl van de herders. In de zomer trokken zij met hun kuddes naar hoger gelegen graslanden, terwijl deze onderkomens dienden als tijdelijke schuilplaatsen tegen de kou en harde wind. Vandaag de dag zijn deze ruïnes stille getuigen van een eeuwenoude traditie die nog steeds voortleeft in de Kazbegi-regio, waar herders en nomadische gemeenschappen hun vee blijven hoeden in harmonie met de natuur.

Annual Saca De Las Yeguas Festival in Almonte, Andalusia, Spain by Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía

© Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía, all rights reserved.

Annual Saca De Las Yeguas Festival in Almonte, Andalusia, Spain

Every June 26, cowboys gather in Almonte to drive wild mares and colts from Doñana marshland to the town in a historic tradition.

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Saca De Las Yeguas Festival in Almonte, Andalusia on June 26 by Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía

© Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía, all rights reserved.

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Saca De Las Yeguas Festival in Almonte, Andalusia on June 26

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Every June 26, cowboys lead wild mares and colts from Doñana marshland to Almonte during the historic Saca de las yeguas festival.

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Saca De Las Yeguas Festival, Almonte, June 26: Wild Mares Celebrated by Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía

© Felipe Rodríguez Fotografía, all rights reserved.

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Saca De Las Yeguas Festival, Almonte, June 26: Wild Mares Celebrated

Almonte, Spain, June 26 2009, Riders and spectators gather in Almonte as wild mares are herded from Doñana marshlands during the annual Saca de las yeguas festival.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024 by karendore

© karendore, all rights reserved.

Southwell Plough Sunday 2024

Plough Sunday is a traditional English celebration marking the start of the agricultural year, typically held on the Sunday after Epiphany. In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this tradition has been revived since the late 1990s by the Morris dancing group Sullivan’s Sword.


The day's events commence with a Plough Blessing Service at St. Denis’ Church in Morton, featuring traditional songs and the blessing of a ploughshare. Following the service, Sullivan’s Sword, along with invited Morris sides, perform dance displays at various venues in Southwell. The festivities culminate with a performance of the "Farnsfield Plough Play," a traditional mummers play incorporating a sword dance, followed by a music session.