Before 990 A.D. belarusians (several eastern slavic and baltic tribes, mostly Kryvichi and their branches, Jatviags, Lits) were pagans. They believed in the God of Sun — Yaryla, celebrated seasons of nature according to sun and moon calendar. The cycles of folk songs that were sang at these celebrations still exist.
«Spring Greeting»
«Spring Greeting»— is a cycle of celebrations designed to «awake’ mother Earth from the winter sleep which was important for such agricultural people as belarusians.
This cycle includes such holidays as «Maslenitsa», «Vialikdzen'» (Easter), «Yur’ya» and others.Each celebration is characterized by specific cycles of «vesnavyia» (spring) songs. The most ancient celebration is «Yur’ia».
Yur’ia is in fact christianized name for pagan God-Sun — Yaryla. The typical ritual on Yur’ia (reflected in «yur’iauskiia» songs is calling for Yaryla (Yur’ya), the Sun-God, to bring out the keys and open his mothers (Earth, Nature) womb — to let out the grass, and flowers, and animals.
As usual these holidays are also celebrated by specific ritual food — eggs (symbol of life in most of indo-european cultures), pancakes (circle is an important magical shape — it depicts sun).
Kupalle (Solstace, June 21)
Kupalle (Solstace, June 21) — is the most loved and charished pagan holiday in contemporary Belarus.
The tradition is very ancient. Under different names this holiday is celebrated by all peoples of indo-european group.
During the summer Solstice, Yaryla (God-Sun) was reaching its biggest power. Kupalle — is a gedonistic summer celebration of the lands fertillity in the name of a female God — Kupala.
It seems like she is considered a lunar Goddess by some pagan sources, although direct translation of the name is «She Who Bathes». Lately it was renamed into a christian celebration of a male saint — Ivan Kupala.
There is a whole complex of traditional rituals, beliefs, love and agricultural magic. Supposedly in ancient times Kupalle was celebrated in the night from July 6 to July 7. During the day of July 6 young girls were going into the meadows to collect different «kupal’skiia» (made on Kupalle) plants and remedies — corn flower, ferns, etc.
It was considered that the plants gathered at this time have particular strengths for curing and magic. Part of these plants were used in food.
Some plants were used for magical protection and the wreaths of these plants were put on the walls of the houses to protect against bad spirits.
Some of the plants were used in the «kupal’skiia» wreaths which were weared on the head by young men and women durin Kupalle celebration. Here is more of the description of Kupalle celebration among ancient eastern slavs from the Saint Petersburg’s Naturist Society.
The central part in Kupalle celebration was a fire. This fire was symbolizing life and Yaryla, and was expelling deathj. During the day young men would prepare the place to start ther fire. They would go around the village collecting old things — clothes, broken barrels — and would take them out to the chosen for festivity place.
Usually it would be a meadow, a forest glade, a bank of a river. Guys would. Then later the youth would go around the village calling with their special Kupalle songs for the celebration.
Special ritual food was cooked on the fire — fried eggs (egg symbolized both sun and life), kulaha (a sort of a puding made of wheat powder), vareniki (dumplings stuffed with berries — blueberries, cherries, raspberies). The oiled wooden wheel would be set on fire to symbolize sun.
Kupalle usually involves youth going into the forests and the meadows, wearing flower and grass garlands and wreaths on their heads (see this modern picture of Katia on Kupala night). There will be many rituals ofl purification practiced — jumping through the fire, bathing in the river or rolling in the grass dew.
There would be a lot of dancing in karagods, competing in strength. A popular type of magic practiced on Kupalle night was fortune telling. The girls would put their wreaths on the water and let the river carry them.
The one that would come to the bank or get entangled with another mean that there will be a marriage.
Also it was believed that if you pick the leaf of plantain growing at the crossroads and put it under the pillow — you are verylikely to dream your future spouse on Kupalle night. One could burn a bunch of flux plants in Kupalle fire and chant:»Flux, give birth», to increase its crops.
It was believed once in a year on Kupalle night near the midnight the fern has a glowing flower — «Paparac’-kvetka».
The lucky couple that would find it would live happily and would be able to foresee the future. It was believed that on Kupalle night rivers are glowing with a special light, trees can speak in the human language and even walk from place to place. It was believed that the Sunset on Kupalle night is special. The Sun sets down «playing» — dividing into concentric circles that expand and contract.
It was also believed that the witches could spoil things on this night. Different ways to protect yourself and your household were used. You could put garlands of special plants that have magical protective properties on the outside of your house. You can put into your rye burning coals from Kupalle fire.
Of course the hands of working women were protected by red ornament on the sleves. Sometimes to be completely safe you have to drive all your cattle through the purifying Kupalle fire. The purifying power of Kupalle fire was so believed that people would dry out on it the shirts of the sick to cure them, or bring little children close to it to expell all bad spirits.
For those interested, you can watch a documentary «Night on Ivan Kupala» to learn more. Also here are some notes about celebration of Kupalle by ukrainians in Canada.
Dzyady
Dzyady — prechristian celebration originating from the cult of ancestors. It is a ritual dinner (a sort of wake) for commemoration of the dead relatives. Usually «Dziady» is also called the day on which the ritual is performed and the same name is used for the commemorated dead persons.
Dziady was celebrated during particular days 3-4 times a year (depends on the region). The main Dziady were «asianiny» — on the first Saturday preceeding St. Dzmitry day (October 26).Also Dziady were celebrated in early spring on «radaunitsa», «maslenitsa» and «siomuha».
The special ritual food is cooked for Dziady dinner — «kyccia» (fine barley porridge with berries), «bliny» (pancakes), fried eggs, meat. According to the tradition part of the food and drink is left in a special plate and glass for the dead.
At this day families are going to the graveyards to take care of the graves. Sometimes the have food by the grave. Then it is customary to pour some vodka on a grave. Unlike Haloween it’s a light holiday of commemoration of dead. It does not involve any blood, fake teeth and other satanic stuff.
Kaliady
Kaliady (December 25 — January 7) — prechristian celebration of the end of year. It comes from Latin «Calendae», which is the name for the first day of each month. Another version of the origin of the word is the word «Kola» (the wheel) which is related tothe turn of the year.
In the annual cycle of folk rituals and celebrations this holiday was the beginning. Later it was very nicely adopted for Christmas celebration by Orthodox and Catholic churches. Sine the Catholic Christmas is on December 25 and the Orthodox Christmas is on January 5 — Kaliady are now celebrated between these two dates.
The ritual food was cooked for three ritual dinners: «posnaia viachera»(Engl.: fasting dinner) with no meat or fat in the beginning, «toustaia»(Engl.: fat) or «miasnaia» (Engl.: «meat») dinner with meat, eggs and sweets on New Year Eve and the last one — «halodnaia» (Engl.: hungry) or «vadzianaia» (Engl.: watery) at the end of Kaliady. During Kaliady there were a lot of fun going on.
Folks would dress themselves as animals and fantastic beasts, carry the sun and the goat’s head on a stick and visit different houses trick-or-treating. They would sing special Kaliady carrols in which the performers greet the house owners, wish them success and plentitude. The youth were playing games, perform in folk theatre plays for public, «skamarohs» would entertain the crowd, play jokes on people.
There are several holidays that are celebrated all over the world.
Besides there are the holidays which are national only.
Among Them are “Kalyady” and “Kupalle”
Catholics celebrate ”Kalyady” from December, 25 to January, 6. As
for Orthodox Christians and the old calendar, the mysterious time of
the year comes a bit later – it continues from January, 7 to
January, 19. People say that “Kalyady” is God’s holiday. In
Russia, all these days and nights from Christmas till Epiphany are
called “Svyatki” (Sacred Evenings) and in Belarus – “Kalyady”.
It is a jolly time when people are enjoying themselves.
During “Kalyady” groups of merry young boys and girls in smart
clothes go from house in Belarusian villages and towns.
Each person in the processions of «Kalyadouschchiki»
(carol-singers) has a role according to his character and
temperament: one of them bears the star, others sing carols, amateur
musicians play the accordion or beat the tambourine, amateur actors
are disguised as Goats, Bears, Storks, Horses, Gypsies and Old Men.
Hosts and hostesses usually treat them to delicious things and thank
them for well-wishing and carol-singing.
«Kalyady» is the time when three ritual
suppers are cooked in every Belarusian home. They are called
«Kalyadnaya Kuttzya». Our forefathers believed that «Kyttzya» (a
sort of porridge («kasha») made from barley) was sacred food which
could save and protect people’s lives. So «Kuttzya» was a symbol of
immortality and eternity of life.
The pagan holiday of «Kalyady» coincided later with Christmas,
which was celebrated by Christians. The main purpose of «Kalyady»
is to get rid of everything bad in one’s life and to begin a new life
cycle with joy and optimism.
1. Answer the questions:
-
When do Belarusians
celebrate «Kalyady»? 2. What are the typical entertainments during
«Kalyady»? 3.
What do
amateur actors wear? 4. How are three ritual suppers at «Kalyady»
called? 5. What is the main purpose of «Kalyady»? -
Work in groups. Find out
-
what they know about the origin of this holiday;
-
what is prepared for ritual suppers and why;
-
whether they take part in «Kalyady» and what they do during this
holiday.
Nowadays, since most Belarusians belong to the Orthodox Church, the
holiday is celebrated on the night of July, 7 in accordance with the
Orthodox calendar and is called «Kupalle». We must admit that it is
one of the most mysterious holidays in Belarus.
According
to the legend God Yarila is marrying the Earth on this day. That’s
why a lot of customs and traditions are associated with love. Girls
gather flowers and weave coronets which they wear at the holiday and
then, at dawn, they throw their coronets into the river and let them
float downstream. The boy who fishes the coronet out of the water
will be that girl’s intended. It is the best time to gather herbs for
medicine and love potions. At night, young and old light bonfires not
far from their village or town and perform traditional dances, sing
folk songs and jump over the fire. Jumping over the fire when it is
burning low, as well as bathing (usually naked) in a river or lake
are supposed to be the acts of purification. One of the culminating
moments of the event is the search for a magic fern-flower in the
forest. As the old legend says this flower blossoms only once a year,
on «Kupalle», and the one who is lucky to find it will master the
language of grass, trees, birds and animals and be happy for the rest
of his life.
As for our Motherland, people of Belarus mark and celebrate; The New
Year Day. On this day we see off the old year and meet the new year.
Children and grown-ups always wait for this holiday. It is
traditionally family holiday. All members of the family try to gather
together at home to have a N.Y. party. On N.Y. Eve everything is rush
and bustle. The cities are decorated with coloured lights across the
streets. The trees are decorated with tinsel and a lot of toys and
coloured lights. Children usually decorate their flats with pictures,
flags, paper snow flakes. Everyone is very busy on these days. We
help our parents about the house, clean the flat, do shopping and
help mother to prepare (cook) delicious dishes for New Y. Supper. At
12 o’clock we are at the table and when me clock strikes we will
congratulate each other with N.Y. and wish be happy, healthy,
wealthy. We hope our wishes be fulfilled during the coming year.
Соседние файлы в предмете [НЕСОРТИРОВАННОЕ]
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
- #
Обновлено: 30.01.2023
People in Belarus celebrate New Year’s Day. It is one of the most favourite holidays for both children and grown-ups.
On this day people see the old year out and the new year in. Traditionally it is a family holiday and family members get together at holiday dinner.
A fortnight before the New Year there is rush and bustle in shops and in the streets. Everyone is busy on these days. A lot of decorations are put up everywhere. Streets and squares in big cities are decorated with coloured lights and ornaments. New Year trees are put up in central squares of all small towns and big cities. In schools and kindergartens there are concerts with Father Frost and Snowmaden prepared by children and pupils . Festive atmosphere is everywhere.
People usually have a New Year tree at home, too. They also buy presents and food, send cards to their relatives and friends. Children decorate their rooms with pictures, baloons and paper snowflakes. They help parents to get ready for the holiday: clean the flat, decorate a tree and help mother with cooking. A lot of delicious food is cooked on New Year’s Eve which is eaten at night. Of course, eating at night is not good for health but such is a custom.
At about 9 p.m. everything is ready and the families are at holiday table. They eat a bit, play games, watch TV and wait for the main celebration which starts at midnight. Sometimes it is not easy to stay up so late, but it is believed that as you see the New Year in, so you will live up to the next year. Nobody wants to oversleep the New Year to come!
Five minutes before midnight all listen to President’s speech on TV, and when the clock strikes 12, people congratulate each other on the New Year, drink a toast and wish each other happiness, health and wealth. Everyone hopes the wishes will come true.
An hour or so after midnight most people go out into the street to the fir tree in their town or village. They join hands, sing and dance around the tree. Others stay at home and watch a holiday programme on TV.
Если вы нашли ошибку, пожалуйста, выделите фрагмент текста и нажмите Ctrl+Enter.
Throughout many centuries of history, the Belarusian people created its unique and original culture. Traditional folk customs and rites harmoniously interlace with Christian traditions.
The Belarusian people are proud of the country’s past and its traditional culture.
Презентация рассказывает о праздниках Беларуси, уходящих корнями к временам язычества и до современных фестивалей, о праздниках религиозных и светских, отмкчаемых в тихом семейном кругу и на республиканском уровне.
Every country has customs and traditions. I want to tell you about some holidays and traditions of my country.
Belarusian people really love holidays. We usually celebrate them with a lot of food, presents and in big companies of relatives and friends.
There are three types of holidays in Belarus. They are family holidays, state holidays and religious holidays. Family holidays. I like my birthday very much.
State or public holidays in Belarus include New Year’s Day, the International Women’s Day, May Day, Victory Day and so on. During these holidays, people do not work. They spend time with their families and friends or go to the center of big cities to celebrate there. Banks, companies and some shops do not work on these days either.
New Year’s Day is the major holiday in Belarus. We put up a New Year tree and decorate it with colorful toys and glass balls. Small fir trees are put up in shop windows, in streets and squares, even on roofs of buildings. Children like the holiday a lot. They can stay up late and then get their presents.
Victory Day is a very important holiday for Russian history. On this day we remember those who protected our country from the German invaders during World War II. A great parade is held on this day in Minsk. Numerous war and patriotic films are shown on television. On this day people congratulate veterans and give them flowers.
The so-called religious holidays include Christmas, Easter and others. IlikeBelarusianholidays.
Белорусские традиции и обычаи
У каждой страны есть обычаи и традиции. Я хочу сказать Вам о некоторых праздниках и традициях моей страны.
Белорусские люди действительно любят праздники. Мы обычно празднуем их с большим количеством еды, подарков и в крупных компаниях родственников и друзей.
Есть три типа праздников в Белоруссии. Они — семейный отдых, праздники национальные и религиозные праздники. Семейный отдых. Мне нравится мой день рождения очень.
Праздники национальные или выходные дни в Белоруссии включают Новый год, Международный Женский День, Первый Май, День Победы и так далее. Во время этих праздников не работают люди. Они проводят время со своими семьями и друзьями или идут в центр больших городов, чтобы праздновать там. Банки, компании и некоторые магазины не работают в эти дни также.
Новый год — главный праздник в Белоруссии. Мы поднимаем Новогоднюю елку и украшаем ее красочными игрушками и стеклянными шарами. Маленькие ели подняты в витринах, на улицах и квадратах, даже на крышах зданий. Дети как праздник много. Они могут не лечь спать поздно и затем получить свои подарки.
День победы — очень важный праздник для российской истории. В этот день мы помним тех, кто защитил нашу страну от немецких захватчиков во время Второй мировой войны. Большой парад устроен в этот день в Минске. Многочисленную войну и патриотические фильмы показывают по телевидению. В этот день люди поздравляют ветеранов и дают им цветы.
Так называемые религиозные праздники включают Рождество, Пасху и других. МненравятсяБелорусскиепраздники.
Тема 10 .
The progress in the field of transport.
Speaking aboutthe progress in the field of transport. I’d like to mention solar cars
A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by a type of renewable energyby solar energy obtained fromsolar panels on the surface (generally, the roof) of the “vehicle”.
A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by a type of renewable energy by solar, energy obtained from solar panels on the surface (generally, the roof) of the vehicle. Photo voltaic (PV) cells convert the Sun’s energy directly» into electrical energy. Solar vehicles are hot practical day-to-day-transportation devices at present.
Like many race cars, the driver’s cockpit usually only contains room for one person.
A solar bicycle has the, advantage of very low weight and can use the riders foot power to supplement the power generated by the solar panel roof vehicle can be driven without the use of any fossil fuels.
The first solar “cars” were actually tricycles built with bicycle technology.
Today highly developed electric bicycles are available and these use little power.
The same system also works for electric motorcycles, solar ships and solar airplanes.
One-practical application for solar powered vehicles is possibly golf carts.
An interesting variant of the electric vehicle is the triple hybrid vehicle that has solar panels as well to assist.
This type of vehicles no doubt is environment friendly and will find more and more sheers of practical application.
© 2014-2022 — Студопедия.Нет — Информационный студенческий ресурс. Все материалы представленные на сайте исключительно с целью ознакомления читателями и не преследуют коммерческих целей или нарушение авторских прав (0.002)
Как празднуют Рождество в Белоруссии, напишите около 10 предложений на английском языке.
How to celebrate Christmas in Belarus?
Mistress necessarily decorate the house and preparing holiday meals, fasting, first, because the night before Christmas last post.
Youth preparing for the festivities : making masks and costumes, learn Christmas songs and old Christmas carols.
Theatrical performances are held in the Gospels.
The city hosts Christmas markets and festivals with concerts, contests and performances.
On Christmas Day in the temples and services held festive liturgy.
The Catholic church is going on 25 December and in the Orthodox churches — January 7.
After the celebration of the church people go home and set the table.
On the tablecloth or under it put a bit of hay as a symbol of the fact that Jesus was born in a manger, the table should be a candle, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
On the table was traditionally kutia and a lot of meat dishes for the breaking.
If you look at how Christmas is celebrated in Belarus, it is obvious that in a country tolerant of all faiths, and people kept their ancient traditions and rituals.
Как отмечают Рождество в Беларуси?
Хозяйки обязательно украшают дом и готовят праздничные блюда, сначала постные, ведь до Рождественской ночи длится пост.
Молодежь готовится к гуляниям : делают маски и костюмы, учат рождественские песни и древние колядки.
Проводятся театрализованные представления на евангельские сюжеты.
В городах проводятся рождественские ярмарки и гуляния с концертами, конкурсами и представлениями.
В день Рождества в храмах проводятся праздничные службы и литургии.
В католических костела это происходит 25 декабря, а в православных церквях – 7 января.
После церкви люди продолжают празднование дома и накрывают стол.
На скатерть или под нее кладут немного сена, как символ того, что Иисус родился в яслях, на столе должна быть свеча, символизирующая Вифлеемскую звезду.
На столе по традиции была кутья и много мясных блюд для разговения.
Если посмотреть, как празднуют Рождество в Беларуси, то очевидно, что в стране терпимо относятся к представителям всех конфессий, а люди сохранили свои древние традиции и обряды.
Читайте также:
- Современная мода и личность человека сочинение
- Сочинение встреча с подругой
- Сочинение штрихи к историческому портрету петра аркадьевича столыпина судьба реформатора в россии
- Не всем дано быть с горами на ты сочинение
- Пример творческой мастерской для педагогов сочинение сказка
17.05.2019
We all adore holidays and everyone values them in their own way, because these are the days of unity, large-scale shows, bright events and concerts. The time has come to tell you about the national holidays of Belarus: many of them will seem very familiar to you, while others will be thrown into frank shock.
VETLIVA plunges you into the world of incendiary days!
Belarusian national holidays
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year | 1 January |
| Orthodox Christmas | 7 January |
| Fatherland Defenders day of the Republic of Belarus | 23 February |
| Women’s Day | 8 March |
| Constitution Day | 15 March |
| Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl tragedy | 26 April |
| Orthodox Easter | 28 April (in 2019) |
| Labour Day (Worker’s Day) | 1 May |
| Day of the National Emblem and Flag of Belarus | 2nd Sunday in May |
| Commemoration Day (Radonitsa) | 9th day after Orthodox Easter |
| Victory Day | 9 May |
| Independence Day | 3 July |
| Kupalle | 6–7 July |
| October Revolution Day | 7 November |
| Catholic Christmas | 25 December |
New Year
When: 1 January
The classic Belarusian New Year includes a traditional holiday tree, a loud feast, noisy fun with friends and family, fireworks. And we definitely eat a lot of tangerines, Olivier salad with mayonnaise, drink champagne and watch “The Irony of Fate” (this is a favorite Soviet New Year comedy with the status of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life”) and concerts of the eighties and nineties. Every home is saturated with the spirit of celebration and happiness.
Advice: you can celebrate the New Year anywhere, we advise you to pay attention to the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, where the residence of the Belarusian Father Frost is located.
Orthodox Christmas
When: 7 January
Orthodox Christmas in Belarus has the character of not only a religious, but also a national holiday. The celebration begins the day before, on Christmas Eve, on the evening of the 6th of January.
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated, observing certain traditions; one of them is to refrain from eating after the morning service until the first evening star appears.
Christmas dinner is usually lean. One of the main dishes is traditional Belarusian kuttya: boiled wheat or rice grains, flavored with honey. We also drink a brew — a compote of dried fruit. Despite the traditional quiet family gatherings, young people with pleasure celebrate Kolyada: they dress up in fairy tale characters, sing songs and get for that candies. It’s a bit like Halloween, but more religious.
Advice: celebration is held at home but there are always many concerts in honor of the holiday so you can visit them, for example, in Minsk.
Fatherland Defenders and Armed Forces day of the Republic of Belarus
When: 23 February
Historically, this is the day of the Red Army of the USSR, but after its collapse the holiday is still celebrated. This is a holiday of men, which are customary got presents from women. On February 23, big concerts and parades are held.
Advice: you can visit the parade in any city of Belarus, and the real show is held on the Stalin Line, in Victory Park in Minsk and so on.
Women’s Day
When: 8 March
Here, everything is a classic: International Women’s Day is traditionally a day off, flowers are given to women (most often tulips) and gifts. Even in schools, children read poems and give cards to girls, and in shops men congratulate unfamiliar saleswomen: this always brings a smile.
Advice: the holiday is celebrated everywhere, in many cafes and restaurants, women are served meals for free, so do not forget to have a tasty meal. Do not get lost in the abundance of «tasty» places, just read our guide on this topic!
Constitution Day
When: 15 March
The Belarusian Constitution has undergone many changes, starting with the history of the USSR to this day. It was finally approved (not counting some additions) on March 15, therefore it is celebrated on this day. No loud parades are held, but in all cities houses are decorated with national flags, and concerts are played on TV.
Advice: there are no special celebrations on this day, but you can visit the capital and see the richly decorated avenues and squares.
Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl tragedy
When: 26 April
Honestly, it is not even a holiday, it is the day of memory of the victims of the most terrible tragedy associated with the explosion at a nuclear power plant. The release, which occurred due to the explosion on April 26, 1986, affected some areas of Belarus. As a result, a large number of people died and became seriously ill.
Advice: check our events page to get information about specific concerts on that day if you want to express condolences and imbued with the history of the terrible day.
Orthodox Easter
When: 28 April (in 2019)
Easter is the main event of the year for all Christians and the biggest Orthodox holiday for the whole world and for Belarus particularly.
The week before Easter is full of worries: cooking food, cleaning the house, painting eggs. The obligatory ritual is the all-night vigil, during which the curds, tarts, and painted eggs are consecrated. At the festive table, one eats a piece of boiled egg first, and then everything else.
A peculiarity of Easter in Belarus is the walking of the volochybniki — guys and young men who glorified in their songs the farmer, his family, and his hard work. Each family, to which the people come, treats them with bread, lard, eggs, cheese. Volochybniki go all night, and in the morning they are staying at someone’s house to celebrate. In Belarus, Catholic and Jewish Easter are also celebrated.
Advice: it is a holiday that is celebrated at home, so you can get to it if you have close friends and relatives in Belarus.
Labour Day (Worker’s Day)
When: 1 May
As in many other countries, the Day of Solidarity of Workers, despite its name, is a day off and is celebrated in a big way. In Belarus, this day marks the beginning of the May holidays and the start of the season of kebabs and outdoor recreation. Families and groups of friends go to nature to the lakes and rivers, set up tents, a brazier and make fires, sit until late night with guitars, sing songs and bathe in still cold water. In Brest one of the famous parks is called May 1, and it is on this day that many attractions and cafes provide free entrance!
Advice: we advise you to pay attention to country houses and cottages, where you can celebrate May 1 in the classic Belarusian style.
Day of the National Emblem and Flag of Belarus
When: 2nd Sunday in May
Purely Belarusian holiday. State symbols are represented by a flag, a coat of arms and a hymn, and the day of the celebration was chosen in 1998. The emblem, flag and anthem of the state are the main symbols of independence, conveying the historical and cultural heritage of our people, emphasizing the national spirit and dignity of Belarusian citizens. They reflect certain aspects of the nation and state, giving an idea of the country’s historical path and its national values.
Advice: there are no special places, but the parade and the concert are held on the square in Minsk, which is called the Square of the National Flag.
Commemoration Day (Radonitsa)
When: 9th day after Orthodox Easter
A very specific holiday that Día de los Muertos in Mexico reminds many people about: it is the day of commemoration of the dead, which is celebrated after the Orthodox Easter.
Back in the middle of the 20th century, Belarusians used to bake drachena (egg pancakes) and cakes, cooked porridge and kutia, painted eggs in peels and brewed beer. Then they went to the cemetery, invited the priest for a memorial service, left sweets on the graves, commemorated the dead.
In the evening, the holiday becomes more large-scale: everyone plays «bitki» (Easter game, during which two people take painted boiled eggs and beat them until the first crack), sing songs, and dance. From here came the phrase: “Radonitsa is crying until the dinner and dancing after it”.
Advice: this is a spend-at-home holiday, so you can get to it only at the invitation of family or friends.
Victory Day
When: 9 May
The largest military public holiday of Belarus dedicated to the victory over the fascist invaders in the Great Patriotic War. This is a day off, during which all the cities are decorated, many people wear the Soviet uniform, old military songs are played everywhere, parades and concerts are held in the cities, fireworks are fired.
Despite this scale, for many it is also a day of grief, so traditionally there is a Minute of silence before the processions.
Advice: to see the largest parades, visit the Brest Fortress, the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk and other memorials.
Independence Day
When: 3 July
Another big holiday dedicated to the liberation of Belarus during the Second World War. All the same salutes, parades of military equipment, large concerts and salutes will be waiting for you on this day. Go to Minsk, as it is here in the city center you can see the holiday in all its glory.
VETLIVA reminds: the celebration will last more than one hour, and you can visit all local holidays only if you stay in Minsk for a day or two. So do not forget to choose the perfect accommodation for this day.
Kupalle
When: 6-7 July
This holiday, dedicated to the summer solstice, is perhaps the most unusual thing that you can see in the current calendar of events in Belarus. The night of Ivan Kupala is filled with rites associated with water, fire and herbs. The main part of the Kupala ceremonies is performed at night. Toward sunset, on high ground or near rivers, clearing fires were kindled. Sometimes fire was mined in the ancient way — by rubbing a tree against a tree.
The Belarusians set up a pole on which a wheel was mounted on top in the center of the Kupala fire. Sometimes a horse skull, called «vidma», is put on the wheel and knocked into the fire, where it burned; after which the youth have fun, sing and dance around the fire.
In Belarus, old unwanted things are collected in all the yards taken to the place chosen for the celebration (edge, clearing, high bank of the river), where they are later burned.
On the night of Ivan Kupala, “narrowed” are chosen and marriage rites are performed: jumping over a fire holding hands, exchanging wreaths (a wreath is a symbol of girlhood), searching for a fern flower (“paparats-kvetka”) for good luck and bathing in the morning dew. The treat consists of cottage cheese (dumplings), cheese, flour porridge (kulagi), unleavened bread (babki) with pounded hemp seed, kvass and kholodnik, fried eggs on lard (vereshchaga).
Bathing is also obligatory: it is believed that on this day all the water becomes free from evil. Also on this day, many herbs acquire magical properties and it is possible to collect them only on the Kupala night.
Advice: celebrations take place in the forests near rivers and lakes, but you can go to Dudutki, that also organizes grandiose ritual nights on this day.
October Revolution Day
When: 7 November
Every year on November 7 in Belarus is celebrated a nationwide holiday — the Day of the October Revolution, which is an official off-time in the country.
On this day in Minsk a traditional ceremony is held annually — laying flowers at the Lenin monument on Independence Square. Representatives of the Communist Party of Belarus, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as all concerned citizens take part in this action.
Advice: memorable meetings, festive concerts, as well as educational and scientific events are held in the capital of Belarus on this day. There are also tours of the memorable places of the October Revolution. One of these places — the house-museum of the First Congress of the RSDLP.
Catholic Christmas
When: 25 December
This important holiday for all Christians coincided with the ancient traditions of celebrating the winter solstice. Therefore, there are still many pagan customs among the people. So, among today’s Christmas traditions a special place is occupied by cheerful folk festivals, which last from December 25 and right up to the old New Year (13 January).
Also Christmas services are held in all Catholic churches.
For Christmas, housewives must decorate the house and cook festive dishes, first lean, because fasting lasts until Christmas night. In the feast itself, after the church, people continue to celebrate at home and lay a table on which, according to tradition, there must be kutya and many meat dishes for breaking fast. On the tablecloth or under it put a little hay, as a symbol of the fact that Jesus was born in the manger, on the table should be a candle symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
Advice: the holiday is usually held with the family, but you can attend one of the grandiose concerts in the cities of the country.
Check the image in better quality
Belarusian holidays: exciting shows in every home
Thus, we told you about national holidays in Belarus. Besides them, there are still many professional events, as well as borrowed traditions, but these holidays are especially loved and appreciated in the country. Belarusians celebrate everything magnificently and in a big way, so it will be very interesting to visit the country on one of these days.
Like this article, tell your friends, read our Blog and share with VETLIVA!
TRAVELING MEANS LIVING!
Subscribe to the newsletter!
Interesting trips to Belarus, city guides, tips on sanatoria, gourmet trips,
news and sales with the best prices for rest.
3
Back to the list
Every country has got its
own public (national) and religious holidays. In our country there ten
public holidays that are observed nationwide and are official days off.
I love all kinds of holidays but
most of all I admire the national traditions connected with them. My
best loved holidays are the New Year with a New Year tree, Christmas
with plenty of delicious food to eat and Easter with red eggs and an
Easter pie.
The preparation for these
holidays starts long before they come. Thus about a fortnight before the
New Year streets are decorated with colourful lights, the shop windows
display a wide choice of New Year toys and Christmas gifts. It should be
pointed out that unlike Catholic Christmas, Orthodox Christmas comes a
week after the New Year and this week in Belarus is called Kalyady.
During the Christmas week street rivals of all kinds take place.
We are not a religious family
and we don’t regularly go to chirch, but we respect national traditions
and my grandmother always dyes eggs red and makes Christmas cakes Easter
pies.
On public holidays like the
Independence Day or May Day people stay away from work or school find
have a rest. There are two very special holidays in the country: the
Eighth of March and the Ninth of May. On the Eighth of March women are
traditionally presented with flowers and gifts and words of love and
respect are addressed to them.
The Ninth of May is both a
happy and a sad day. On this day we celebrate our victory over fascism
in the Great Patriotic War and at the same time pay tribute to those who
gave up their lives for the liberation of our motherland. Deep respect
and warm gratitude are shown to war veterans. The day is made special by
a military parade in the morning and grand fireworks at night.
Remembrance Day is
a great holiday for Belarusians. It is called «Dziady». This
holiday is dedicated. to the memory of those who died or perished. It is
official celebrated on the first Saturday in November. On this day
people remember their dead parents, grandparents, and relatives
. To express their honour to the dead, the Belarussians lay the table
with food on this day. They do their best to show the warmest welcome to
the souls1 of grandfathers and ancestors. It is believed that on
Remembrance Day the souls return to the houses they used to live in.
There is one holiday which is
celebrated in summer. It is Kupala holiday, which occurs on
the day of solstice. It is one of the most poetic holidays in
Belarus. Young men and women get together in clearings, make
crowns out of flowers and leap over campfires.
Some of them wear Belarusian
costumes — white linen shirts or white dresses. On the shortest
summer night they go to the woods where they try to find a blooming
fern as the tradition says
Most of the folk holidays in
Belarus are associated with farm work. «One, called Dozhinkv literally
means picking up the last remaining wheat ears in the field. It signals
the end of the harvesting in autumn. This holiday is five
hundred years old. During the holiday people make a show of their work
and art: potters make pots and jugs,musicians play the svirel-the
ancient wood pipe.
Holidays.
(I) I think all people like holidays, because they don’t work and have a good time. They can visit their friends and relatives.
(II) There are many holidays in Belarus and in Britain.
-In Belarus and in Great Britain people celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st. They congratulate each other and give presents to each other.
-In Great Britain, people celebrate Halloween on October 31st.
-In Belarus, people celebrate Christmas on January 7th, in Britain — on December 25th. They go to church (церковь), decorate the Christmas tree with balloons, ornaments, and lights, tinsel. They send greeting cards and cook Christmas dinner. For Christmas dinner, they usually have roast turkey, potatoes, and different salads.
— In Belarus, people celebrate Victory Day on May 9th. They watch a parade and give flowers and cards to veterans in the morning. In the evening, they watch fireworks.
— In Great Britain and in Belarus people celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
— In Belarus and in Britain people celebrate April Fool’s Day on April 1st.
— In Belarus and in Great Britain people celebrate Easter in spring.
— In Great Britain, people celebrate The Queen’s Official Birthday in June.
— In Belarus, people celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd. They decorate streets with flags and balloons, dance and sing in the streets and in parks. In the evening, they watch fireworks.
-In Belarus, people celebrate Kupalle on July 7th. It’s an old holiday. On this day people go to the woods and dance around the fire.
(III) — My favourite day is Easter. We celebrate it in spring. I like making cakes.
-My favourite day is my Birthday. We celebrate it in spring/in summer/ in winter/ in autumn. I like inviting my friends and relatives, getting presents, having a party and having fun.
-My favourite day is April Fool’s Day. We celebrate it in spring. I like playing jokes on my friends, having fun.
-My favourite day is New Year’s Day. We celebrate it in winter. I like sending cards, giving presents, decorating a Christmas tree with balloons.
-My favourite day is Victory Day. We celebrate it in spring.
I like watching a parade and watching fireworks.
(IV) Happy New Year! Happy Easter! Happy holidays!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Merry Christmas!
All the best for the New Year!
Thank you. The same to you!
(V) In spring on July 3rd like + Ving at Easter
In June on Easter Day
Card 15, renewed.
| 1. Let’s talk about Belarusian customs and traditions. What can you tell me about your favourite Belarusian holiday? | Belarusian people celebrate a lot of holidays but only 8 of them are official days when people don’t work. They are New Year’s Day, Christmas (both Orthodox and Catholic), the 8th of March, Radunitsa, Labour Day, Victory Day, Independence Day and the 7th of November (October Revolution Day).Speaking about Belarusian customs and traditions, I’d like to mention that though most Belarusians follow the traditions of Christianity, a lot in the culture of my country is from pagan beliefs. So, alongside with Easter or Christmas we celebrate Maslenitsa, Kupalle, Kolyady and Dozhynki.The list of Belarusian holidays is rather long. There are national and religious, family and professional holidays. There are also memorable dates, such as April,26 and June,22.My favourite holiday is New Year’s Day. I can’t say that my family celebrates it in an unusual way, but the beginning of a new year is always associated with new hopes and new plans and it makes this day special. |
| 2. Are you proud of our national holidays and traditions? | Belarusian customs and traditions characterise Belarusians and their attitude to ancestors. It’s natural when a nation respects the traditions of the past and the people are proud of their cultural heritage. So, yes, I’m proud of our national holidays and traditions. |
| 3. What questions can you ask a friend about his/her last New Year celebration? | Did you celebrate New Year’s Day with your family or with your friends? Where did you celebrate it? What present did you get? Did you make any New Year resolutions? |
| 4. What national souvenirs will you recommend a tourist to buy in Belarus? | Any thing with Belarusian symbols or ornaments will be OK, but I recommend to buy a handmade straw souvenir or a linen tablecloth. |
| 5. Do you think it is important to follow our grandparents’ traditions? Why? | Traditions are handed down from generation to generation, and though some of them are not adоpted to our reality and even funny, I think, it’s important to know them if not follow to be a nation. |
About Author
Татьяна
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.