According to archaeological data, the nationality of the Yakuts arose as a result of the combination of local tribes living near the middle reaches of the Lena River with southern Turkic-speaking immigrants. Over time, the created new nationality was divided into several groups. For example, reindeer herders of the northwest, etc.
Yakuts, a description of the nationality
Yakuts are considered one of the most numerous Siberian peoples. Their number reaches over 380 thousand people. Yakuts live in the Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and Krasnoyarsk regions, but mainly in the Republic of Sakha. The language of the Yakuts refers to the Turkic dialects that belong to the Altai family. The main occupations of the Yakuts are horse and cattle breeding, fishing and hunting. In modern times, the main wealth of the Yakuts is diamonds. The mining industry is very developed. Yakut dwellings are yurts that can be small and vice versa, different in height. Yurts are built of wood.
Who worshiped the Yakuts since ancient times
Among the Yakuts, an important place in belief still belongs to the veneration of nature. All the traditions and customs of the Yakuts are closely connected with it. They believe that nature is living, and all earthly objects have their own spirits and inner strength. One of the main since ancient times was considered the owner of the road. Previously, he even made sacrificial offerings, leaving horse hair, shreds of matter, buttons and copper coins at the crossroads. Similar actions were taken for the owners of reservoirs, mountains, etc.
Thunder and lightning in the representation of the Yakuts pursue evil spirits. If a tree breaks during a thunderstorm, it is considered to have healing power. The wind in the representation of the Yakuts has four spirits that guard earthly peace. Earth has a female deity - Aan. She monitors the growth and fertility of all living things (plants, animals, people). In the spring, special offerings are arranged for Aan.
Water has a master. Gifts are brought to him in autumn and spring in the form of a birch bark boat with an image of a man carved on it and attached pieces of matter. Dropping sharp objects into water is considered a sin.
The owner of the fire is a gray-haired old man who expels evil spirits. This element has always been treated with great respect. The fire was never extinguished and in former times was carried with them in pots. It is believed that he is the patron of the family and home.
The Yakuts call the spirit of the forest Baai Bayanay. It helps in fishing and hunting. In ancient times, a sacred animal was chosen that could not be killed and eaten. For example, goose, swan, ermine and some others. The eagle was considered the head of all birds. The bear was always the most revered among all groups of Yakuts. Its claws and other attributes are used as amulets until now.
Holidays
The holidays of the Yakuts are closely connected with traditions and ceremonies. The most important is Ysyakh. It takes place once a year and reflects the worldview and picture of the world. Celebrate it at the very beginning of summer. According to ancient traditions, in a clearing surrounded by young birches, a horse-hitch is established, which symbolizes the World Tree and the axes of the universe. In modern times, it has also become the embodiment of the friendship of the peoples living in Yakutia. This holiday is considered family.
Ysyakh always begins with the sprinkling of koumiss of fire and the four cardinal points. Then comes the request to the Deities for the sending of grace. National clothes are put on for the celebration and traditional dishes and koumiss are prepared. The meal is held at the same table with all relatives. Then round dances begin to drive, sports, wrestling, archery and tug-of-stick are arranged.
Traditions and customs of the Yakuts: families
Yakuts live in small families. Although polygamy was common until the 19th century. But they all lived separately, and each had its own economy. Yakuts enter into marriage from 16 to 25 years. When matchmaking is paid kalym. If the family is poor, then the bride can be abducted with subsequent working off for her.
Rites and traditions
The Yakut people have many traditions and rites, from the description of which even a separate book can come out. Often they are associated with magical actions. For example, to protect housing and livestock from evil spirits, the Yakuts use a number of conspiracies. Important components in this case are ornament on clothes, jewelry and utensils. Rites are also held for a good harvest, offspring of livestock, birth of children, etc.
Until now, many traditions and customs have been preserved among the Yakuts. For example, the Sat stone is considered magic, and if a woman looks at it, then it loses its strength. It is found in the stomachs or liver of animals and birds. After extraction, it is wrapped in birch bark and wrapped in horsehair. It is believed that through certain spells using Sat can cause rain, wind or snow.
Many traditions and customs of the Yakuts have been preserved since ancient times. For example, they have a blood feud. But in modern times it has been replaced by a ransom. Yakuts are very hospitable, like to exchange gifts. Maternity ceremonies are associated with the goddess Ayyy-syt, who is considered the patroness of children.
Konovyazi
The Yakuts have a lot of different horse posts. And this is not accidental, since from ancient times they have been one of the main components of the culture of the people. Beliefs, many rites, traditions and customs are associated with them. All hinges have a different ornament, decoration, height, shape.
In total there are three groups of such pillars. The first (outdoor) includes those that are installed at the home. Horses are tied to them. The second group includes pillars used for various religious ceremonies. And in the third - the hitch, which are installed on the main Yakut holiday Ysyakh.
Yurts of Yakuts
Yakut settlements consist of several houses (yurts) located at a great distance from each other. The Yakut dwelling is created from round standing logs. But only small trees are used in construction, since cutting large ones is considered a sin. Doors are located on the east side, towards the sun. Inside the yurt is a clay-coated fireplace. The house has many small windows. Along the walls are wide sunbeds of different heights. At the entrance is the lowest. Only the owner of the yurt sleeps on high. Sun beds are separated from each other by partitions.
To build a yurt, a low place, protected from the winds, is chosen. In addition, the Yakuts are looking for a "happy place." Therefore, among the mighty trees do not settle, since they have already taken all the power of the earth. There are many more such points, as in Chinese geomancy. When choosing a place for the construction of a yurt, they turn to the shaman. Often, yurts are built collapsible so that they can be transported with a nomadic lifestyle.
National clothes
The national costume of the Yakuts consists of a single-breasted caftan. Previously, for winter it was sewn from fur, and for summer, it was made from the skin of a horse or a cow. Kaftan has 4 additional wedges and a wide belt. The sleeves are wide. Leather pants and fur socks are worn over the legs. In modern times, the Yakuts use fabric for sewing clothes. They began to wear shirts with collars, belted with a belt.
Wedding coats for women are sewn long, up to the heels. To the bottom expand. Sleeves and a collar are decorated with brocade, red and green cloth, silver jewelry, and a gown. The hem is lined with sable fur. These wedding coats are inherited. Instead of veils, they wear fur hats with a high top made of black or red decorated cloth.
