There were many cases where there were treasures in the earth, and sometimes very old ones. Mostly they hid in the ground. Why did our ancestors prefer to keep money and valuables in such places?
Kubyshka in a hiding place
Before the revolution, 80-90% of the Russian population were peasants. Small sums for running expenses were kept by the peasants at home. When there were more coins, they placed a hiding place under the threshold or hid it in the "red corner". Sometimes they stuck coins in the joints of tree trunks made of the house. But some farmers were wealthy or saved money for expensive purchases - a new house, a cow, a horse. A large amount of money was usually put into a capsule or other container and buried in a vegetable garden or in a field, hidden in cellars and wells, sometimes even in the forest, which somehow marks the place of hiding.
There were cases where money was even buried in someone's grave - usually someone close to him. In the 19th century, foreigners who came to Russia were surprised by the Russians' habit of keeping money buried in the ground. This was also true for the Europeans, but in Europe, it was common to bury treasures related to an extreme situation - for example, the siege of a settlement. And for the Russians it was commonplace. Why was this storage method considered the most reliable?
Fear of fires
The fires in the country were frequent. There were times when people could escape, but the entire property of the firefighters was destroyed by fire. Although until the XVIII century in the course of Russia were only metal coins, and they could spoil the flames - for example, by the heat they could blacken and melt. Therefore, it was assumed that the savings would be preserved in the country.
Protection against theft
Stealing wasn't uncommon either. If robbers had climbed the hut, they would have looked for money in the house first. It was difficult to find a supply outside the house without knowing its exact location.
A rainy day funnel
There were many twists in Russian history. Russia has survived the Tatar-Mongolian yoke, revolution, expropriation and many wars. There was always the danger that "daring people", "Basurmanen", soldiers, new powers and forces would come and take away what had been achieved. It was also extremely risky to take money and valuables with you. Therefore, they organized "caches" in the hope of using their contents when everything is clear. Sometimes, after many years, they returned to these places. Massive buried treasures in the country during the Patriotic War of 1812, the Revolution, the Civil War.
And not only farmers but also representatives of other classes - merchants, nobles. Not only money, for example, gold coins, but also family valuables and jewelry were placed in "tombs". However, most treasures were never claimed by their former owners and were either found by chance or never. There are many legends and myths about treasures and treasures hidden by different people, sometimes even very famous. Many enthusiasts have searched for them, but mostly unsuccessfully. Hence the belief in the so-called "conspiracy treasures", which supposedly can only be given to the chosen.
Lack of reliable ways to store money
When in Europe the first banks appeared in the XII century, in Russia - only in the XVIII century. It was not until 1769 that paper money was introduced into circulation - assignments that were initially only bank liabilities on which it was possible to obtain a certain number of coins.
But the allocations were particularly popular among the rich strata of society, as they had a large nominal value - 25, 50, 75 and 100 rubles. In 1772 the Monument Treasury appeared, which accepted deposits from the population and granted loans against pledges of real estate or fortress souls. But it is clear that it was also an option for wealthy Russians, especially for the nobility. It was not until 1842 that savings banks were set up, where it was possible to pay money into the account. On the passbook could be set from 50 kopecks to 300 rubles. And in the 50's of the XIX century several joint-stock companies were founded. Shares also became another popular form of investment. In 1864 the first commercial bank was opened in St. Petersburg, whose shares were held by representatives of various social classes - from the nobility to the simple businessman to the craftsman.
Today only a few people can think of keeping money in the ground. All the more so as paper notes can easily deteriorate under such conditions. Although still not all Russians trust banks, and many of us who live in urban apartments keep "hiding" in a "stocking" or under a mattress. Perhaps this is the legacy of a centuries-old mentality that led our ancestors to put money in a capsule and hide it from strangers.
Subscribe to the channel and put on a liking - this is the best thanks and help for us.