Have you ever wondered what is the difference between the mentality of Belarusians and Russians? After all, the past united these peoples very much. For seventy years, Belarus was part of the USSR and took a lot from Soviet culture. Despite this, the Belarusian people did not erase their national traits from memory. To draw up a portrait of a typical Belarusian, it is important to drop stereotypes about their president and potato dishes. No matter how many similarities exist between the two fraternal peoples, the mentality of the Belarusians and the system of traditional values differ markedly. In our article we will try to understand these features.
The uniqueness and originality of the Belarusian people
Features of the traditions and mentality of the Belarusian people are interesting to study. In the entire history of its existence, this ethnos has never become the culprit of the outbreak of war. Residents of Belarus respect foreigners, representatives of national minorities living in their country. Years of grief, humiliation, exploitation and oppression did not harden them. They keep in themselves the so-called middle, which helps them survive and remain original, being between the western and eastern world. This encourages them to search for their development path. Belarusians never put themselves above other nations. They are patient, hardy, not aggressive. This people was often a victim of violence, and therefore denies it. Belarusians are looking for peaceful solutions to problems. In their history, there have been many wars that unleashed other countries.
Portrait of a Belarusian
Belarusians can be described as a monolithic, thoroughbred nature. Representatives of this people belong to the Central European type of the Caucasian race. That is, mixed shades of hair and eyes prevail among the population. For example, dark blond, light and dark brown hair, gray or green eyes. The whole look is permeated with a certain negligence - in clothes, in thoughts, in conversation. A resident of the capital, Minsk, more aggressive, impulsive, moody, arrogant. The provincials are softer, kinder, sometimes slovenly, "their guys."
The main qualities of Belarusians
So, how do Belarusians live in the modern world? The peculiarity of the mentality of this people is that they do not put themselves above other nationalities. They show freedom, courage, patriotism. Another characteristic feature of them is openness, ingenuity, good nature, complaisance, tolerance. They are guided not only by their own interests, but also by the interests of society as a whole.
The answer to the question "what are the features of the national mentality and national character of Belarusians" lies in the history of this country. The formation of the Belarusian ethnos was influenced by two peoples - the Slavs and the Balts. From the Slavs they inherited hospitality, patience, kindness, benevolence. From the Balts they got a restrained, phlegmatic, hardworking disposition. In the course of historical transformations, Belarusians created an independent branch of the East Slavic ethnic group.
Secrets of the national mentality and national character of Belarusians
The formation of the identity of the Belarusian people was influenced by socio-political, socio-economic and cultural-spiritual life. Initially, paganism played a large role in creating the mentality. In this region, magic, the cult of nature and ancestors were widespread. Then Christianity came to Belarus. These two worldviews are intertwined. Belarusians developed tolerance, humility, openness to the world, respect for traditions and values. Belarusians never go to extremes, because they do not consider themselves elected. They are most concerned about the well-being and well-being of their kind, family. Sometimes a national spirit awakens in them. Belarusians are endowed with self-criticism, recognize the virtues of other nations.
The formation of moral and spiritual values based on Christianity was embodied in Belarusian traditions and rites. The biblical commandments formed the ideas of humanism among this people.
Special feelings for a small homeland
Belarusians have affirmed in their minds the concept of a "small homeland." They see their country as a priceless corner of the earth, to which they have special feelings expressed in songs, traditions, and proverbs. The Belarusian people are very attached to their native places. Representatives of this ethnic group very rarely leave their homeland. This feature has become a major factor in Belarusian self-identification. After all, Belarus was long influenced by the Moscow kingdom and Poland. The Belarusian people tried to defend their identity, mores, culture, traditions. Today Belarus is a connecting link between East and West. Hence Belarusians have a desire for a flexible, constructive dialogue with their neighbors, a tolerant attitude towards the world around them. Even the anthem of Belarus begins with the words that they are peaceful people.
Compromise and ingenuity
The country is located in the center of Europe. Often in the Middle Ages, neighbors fought among themselves. Belarus was a transit point for them. The Belarusians themselves did not participate in military conflicts, but tried to negotiate. A willingness to compromise helped them make peace with small sacrifices. Centuries later, it became a national trait of this people.
Belarusians are trying to find something useful in everything. They were the first to learn how to make jelly from potatoes. It was they who invented Viber.
Hospitality and tolerance
A characteristic feature of the mentality of Belarusians is kindness. This is immediately noted by foreigners. Residents of this region are always welcome guests, even when there is nothing to put on the table. Requests are always answered kindly.
Belarusians do not pay much attention to the color of the skin of foreigners, the country where they came from. There are many churches, churches, synagogues. On the street in the same company with the locals may be African-Americans or Asians.
Industriousness and patriotism
Belarusians are considered the most hardworking people of the CIS. This is true, since youth they have been accustomed to responsibility and accuracy in their work. It is rare that Belarusians are prone to laziness. They always strive to achieve more.
Despite the fact that life in Belarus is not easy, residents love and value their country. 80% of the adult population is proud of their homeland and nationality.
Accuracy and religiosity
The streets of Belarus are always as clean as in Europe. Accuracy is another feature of the mentality of Belarusians. You can even look into the smallest town, and it will surprise with its neatness. The infrastructure in them is ordinary, and the cleanliness is noticeable. Beautiful plants are planted in the courtyards; on-duty cleaning is set up in the houses. Even janitors usually diligently do their job.
Belarusians are a religious nation, different faiths coexist here. Here, they calmly relate to those who prefer a different religion. Fanaticism is not peculiar to this people. No one is preoccupied with other people's religious views.
Fidelity to tradition and addiction to alcohol
The Belarusian people have their high moral values, good traditions. Among national holidays, it is worth highlighting Kolyada, Radonitsa, Kupala, Dozhinki. Belarusians were able to carry these unique holidays through the centuries today. What about language? Russian influence was very important here: in big cities they use exclusively Russian language for communication. But the inhabitants of the outback speak exclusively Belarusian or use its dialects.
One cannot but mention the moment that Belarus is recognized as the most drinking country in the world. Scientists estimate that there is 27 liters of alcohol per person.
Somewhere between the dignity and nobility of the Belarusians lurking "nobility". An educated Belarusian is called a gentry. Such a person would not be ashamed in the palace of the English Queen. Such personalities will never face dirt.
All neighbors love the Belarusian people for honesty and gentleness in character. These are conflict free people.
