Icons as a rule were hung in the place of honor in the red corner of a peasant hut. The museum displays the icon of Kazan God Mother, one of the most revered in the Russian Orthodox Church. According to legends people who faced any difficulties, illnesses or "intrigues" of enemies could ask for help in prayer before the image of the Virgin. Princes, kings, and common people appealed to this icon for help.
In 1579 in Kazan after the fire which first destroyed the church of Nikolai Tulsky and then part of the city, the holy face appeared to the people. Little Matrona, the merchant's daughter, indicated the place in the conflagration where the icon was buried. To the surprise of people the image was found and looked as if it had just been written. No one knew the meaning of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, nor the one from where it came from, but the people soon became convinced of its wonderful power: a lot of people were healed. In place of the appearance of the icon, a female Mother of God Monastery was built in which Matrona became the first nun and then prioress.
Later not only physical and spiritual healings were associated with this icon, but also victories over enemies and invaders. They made lists from it and sent it to churches. According to one version the original image was lost in 1904 when the icon was stolen. Nowadays only copies have been preserved.
