The kids not simply studied writing tools that our ancestors used, but also preformed practical tasks. For example, "the young professors" wrote on wax tablets with the help of a stylus. It would seem that everything was very simple. However, rubbing and aligning the writing, preparing the wax surface for a new recording was a complicated process, requiring strength and patience.

In class the young researchers became acquainted with the history of the Belarusian handwritten book. Having leafed through facsimile editions of old Belarusian manuscripts, the Polotsk and Slutsk Gospels, they got an idea about their peculiar design.

Particular attention was paid to the initial letter as an element of design. It was placed at the beginning of the text, made large and decorated with a variety of ornaments. The initial letter was very often written in red, and the concept of the "red line", symbolizing the beginning of a paragraph, hence appeared. The class attendees were able to join the creative process and make their own unique initials. Children themselves drew letters and thus became active followers of the manuscript tradition.

See also:

Studying the handwritten book in the Book Professors Club

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