Belarusian culture is one of the oldest European cultures. The traditions and customs of the Belarusian people have been preserved by such holidays as Kolyady, Kupalye, Maslenitsa, Dozhinki. In each of them, elements of ancient faiths are noticeable.
The traditions of the Belarusian people are rooted in the past. Here the paganism of ancient ancestors is closely intertwined with the Christian faith. This is graphically presented in interesting traditions and holidays.
Dozhinka Holiday
The culture and traditions of the Belarusian people are a reflection of the everyday life of ordinary people. The culture of Belarusians is strongly connected with the land. One of these manifestations is the Dozhinki festival. It is carried out at the end of sowing work. Belarus has quite fertile areas rich in crops. This ancient custom is known to all peoples who are associated with agriculture. The holiday was so in demand that no war could kill him. The people preserved it for many centuries. In Russia, this beautiful tradition is reflected in the annual Sabantuy holiday. It selects the best workers and give them gifts.
Feast of the Baths
This is Ivan Kupala Day. It is believed that unusual things happen: animals begin to talk, trees come to life, and in rivers and lakes you can watch the mermaids swim. The day is filled with a lot of traditions. And no one can figure out what is true and what is false. Held from the sixth to the seventh of July. This holiday is the most ancient of customs. It has pagan roots.
Our great-grandfathers associated Kupalye with sun worship. "Bathed" - means a hot, bright creature, seething with anger. In ancient times, people thanked fire, water, land on the night of Kupala. According to custom, young people jumped over a fire. So the rite of purification passed. Paganism and Christianity after the adoption of Christian beliefs became closely related. It was believed that it was on the day of the summer solstice that John the Baptist was born. And the word “bathed” came from the word “bathe, ” since the baptism was carried out in water. There is a legend that it was on this night that everything that seemed to be in a dream became a reality. The souls of the dead revived in the form of mermaids bathing in the river. They could be seen in clear water.
One of the rites on Kupala night was the search for fern. It was he who, as usual, had the key to everything that was happening. The owner of this flower understood the speech of animals and birds, looked at the mermaids and watched the trees move from place to place. This plant is not the only flower that our great-grandfathers worshiped. At that time, it was believed that all flowers were endowed with incredible healing power. Women and children collected various herbs, lit them in the church and treated them for a whole year. On this holiday, another rite was held - water purification. If you swim this night, you will feel clean all year, as the legend said. In the morning after the holiday, everyone rode through the dew. The people believed that dew would endow everyone with good health and strength. The holiday of Kupalye was celebrated by the whole village, it was not allowed to sleep that night.
Carols
This holiday was the most beautiful among the winter among the Belarusians. At first it was held from December 25 to January 6. With the adoption of Christianity, this holiday was postponed to the birthday of Christ. Christmas time lasted from January 6 to January 19. According to pagan belief, “carol” appeared from the word “colo”, that is, the sun. This refers to the day of the winter solstice and the gradual increase in the day. Also, "poop" means "circular food." People gather in a big company and look into each yard with songs and dances. For this they were thanked for delicious food. Then people gather in one place and treat each other with collected dishes. Carols are a special custom. We prepared for its celebration in advance, washed it well in the bathhouse, cleaned the house, and embroidered new clothes. On this day, the people were pure in soul and body. Nowadays, carols are from January 7 to January 8. These traditions of the Belarusian people are more related to the rally. Dress up in various outfits and go to visit relatives.
Gucanne festival is clear
This is the most fun and joyful of all the holidays. That is what Belarusians call winter farewell. It was necessary to have a beautiful winter and meet the beautiful spring. This custom has its pagan roots deep in antiquity. People are calling spring to expedite its arrival. The festival takes place in early April. A stork is the most important bird on it. People make them from dough, from paper, from cardboard. Birds decorate the trees. For this food from the test flocked all the birds in the district. Thus, the birds carry spring on their wings. It was believed: on whose house more birds sit, that house will be the happiest. The people had fun that day, danced, sang, and danced.
