Fortochka
A fortochka (Russian: фо́рточка, IPA: [ˈfortətɕkə] <phonos file="Ru-форточка.ogg"></phonos>) is a small ventilation window generally not greater than 35x45 cm.[1] It usually spans the frame of one window pane and opens on hinges independently of the whole window. Fortochkas are in common use in Russia, other post-Soviet states (Ukrainian: кватирка, kvatyrka), and Finland (Finnish: tuuletusikkuna).
A fortochka can be used for ventilation during cold winters, when opening a whole window would be impractical for heat conservation purposes.[2]
The window was designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli for the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in 1754.[3]
Cultural significance
[edit | edit source]The true origin of the word appears lost, but its nearest relative appears to be the German pforte, for "gate" or "gap".[4] Someone referred to as a "fortochnik" is a criminal specializing in the challenging art of sneaking into and out of a fortochka.[5] In the realm of dream interpretation, fortochkas have at least four roles – a broken one indicates a wasted effort; a dusty one indicates someone is spreading ill rumors about you; if you look through one, your dreams will come true; if you open one, your life will take a positive turn.[citation needed]
See also
[edit | edit source]- Sash window – Window made of one or more movable panels
- Transom (architecture) – Horizontal structural piece separating a door from a window above it
- Wicket gate – Pedestrian door or gate, particularly one built into a larger door or into a wall or fence
References
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- ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/german-english/pforte
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