Belarusian traditions № 7

Throughout many centuries of history, the Belarusian people created its unique and original culture. Traditional folk customs and rites are closely connected with Christian traditions. According to them Christmas and Easter are the main religious holidays, annually celebrated by millions of believers all over the country. In Belarus, all the Christian holidays are celebrated twice: by the Catholic and Orthodox religious calendars.

Along with Christian holidays, such folk festivals of pagan origin as Kupalle and Maslenitsa are widely celebrated in Belarus. Folk games and traditional ceremonies are part of them. One of the main traditions of Kupalle is search for the mythic paparats-kvetka (fern flower). Those, who find it, will enjoy good luck for the whole year; all their wishes will come true. Maslenitsa is a ceremony of meeting of two seasons; it sees off winter and meets spring. Popular festivals of folk music, dancing and national costumes are organized at the time of Maslenitsa.

New Year is widely celebrated all over the country. Preparations to this holiday start a couple of weeks before. The towns and cities of Belarus put on holiday decorations and illumination, New Year trees in the squares add to the holiday mood. The culmination of the holiday is the December 31— January 1 night, when various concerts and open-air celebrations take place. January 1 is an official holiday.

The Belarusian people are proud of the country's past and its traditional culture. The medieval festival "The White Castle" is arranged every spring in Minsk. The spectators can admire performances in costume, combats of knights and ancient music. Every summer, in Belarusian castles (in Lida, Mir, Novogrudok, Nesvizh, etc.) knights' tournaments and international medieval festivals take place. They attract spectators and participants from many countries of the world. During several days, you will have a chance to plunge into romantic atmosphere of the Middle Ages, to watch a reconstruction of historic events, to become an apprentice of a craftsman, enjoy medieval music and try on knights' armor or ladies' magnificent dresses.

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