Posted: 17.01.2025 13:12:00

Christmastide in Belarus

Belarusians reverently preserve folk festivals that have been passed down from their ancestors, and invite everyone to participate

The New Year and Christmas have passed. The festive period known as Christmastide — the most mysterious of wonders — begins after Christmas and lasts for a full 12 days, right up until Epiphany. During Christmastide, it is customary to visit friends, give gifts, wish joy, health, and well-being, attend church, and honour the traditions of ancestors. These festive days are also inseparable from carol singing, which many have loved since childhood. Carolers would dress up as various totemic animals and birds — such as goats, bears, wolves, and storks — while a star, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem, was an essential attribute. This ancient custom is passed down from generation to generation and primarily thrives in rural areas. The ancestors of Belarusians believed that the more entertaining the carolling, the luckier the coming year would be. This is why it is customary for a lively group of masqueraders to gather around a bountiful table, while the youth engage in circle dances, singing, and praising Christmastide. Divination is an obligatory part of the carolling festivities.

Rite Kalyady Tsars is included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage       belta

Singing with kings  

In the 18th century, the Russian army was stationed near the village of Semezhevo in Minsk Region. They say when soldiers are not at war, they are quite inventive. Thus, around New Year’s according to the old calendar, those brave military men would stroll through the village streets, entertaining the locals with performances filled with songs, dances, and humorous anecdotes. Their shows were based on the folk drama Tsar Maximilian. However, unlike the original plot, the main character in Semezhevo would either fight Mamai or seek cures for his ailments.  
The soldiers’ merriment became so beloved by the villagers that they have maintained this tradition on their own for over two centuries! On the evening of January 13th, they don costumes resembling the military uniforms of the Catherinian era and set off to bring joy to the people in their homes. In 1996, the rite of Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Kings) was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.  
WHERE: Semezhevo, Kopyl District, Minsk Region

Marrying off Tereshka  

Symbol of Star of Bethlehem is a mandatory attribute of Christmastide    Belta
A festive highlight of Vitebsk Region is Marriage of Tereshka. The romantic subtext is hidden not only in the name but also in the essence of this millennia-old rite. Who is this Tereshka and where did he come from? No one can quite remember. The main thing is that the phrase ‘Shall we marry off Tereshka?’ serves as a signal to kick off the festivities. Today, these celebrations are held in many agro-estates. Guests don traditional costumes, dance to a village orchestra, and participate in unusual games aimed at meeting new people. The climax is the mock marriage of couples formed during the festivities, accompanied by the approving cheers of the crowd. Of course, this all is just for fun. However, it is not uncommon for such couples to continue their acquaintance and even get seriously engaged afterwards.  
WHERE: Lepel District, Vitebsk Region

Saddling ‘little horses’  

Lovers of carnival spirit must definitely visit David-Gorodok. There, just before the Old New Year, everyone — young and old — gets involved in the winter fun of ‘koniki’ (little horses) with costumes of fairy-tale characters.  
As soon as night falls, boisterous groups, accompanied by an accordion, spill out onto the streets. They sing songs, perform humorous skits, and entice people to dance. Who can you spot in the vibrant crowd? The familiar characters include Grandfather, Grandmother, Devil, Death, Bear, Fox, and, of course, Horse, symbolising strength and health. By the way, it can look in different ways. Typically, the body is concealed under white fabric, with a fluffy tail attached at the back. An old felt boot serves as the head. The construction is simple, allowing anyone to saddle this creature.  
WHERE: David-Gorodok, Stolin District, Brest Region  

‘Koniki’ winter fun          belta

Pulling Kolyada onto the oak  

Folk traditions are not just entertaining, but also a tribute to memory of our ancestors       belta
Good holidays have a bright conclusion. To ensure a bountiful year and that all sins are forgiven, participants in the celebrations in Minsk Region ‘pull’ a metaphorical Kolyada up the tallest oak. This rite has a long script with many participants. Therefore, those with experience traditionally take part, while guests and tourists are invited to watch. The spectacle is unforgettable, as this very Kolyada — before being sent higher to the sky — is first cherished and nurtured, and transported on the sledge through the village with songs and poems.  
WHERE: Noviny, Berezino District, Minsk Region  

Appreciating rural generosity  

Christmastide traditions are popular in many Belarusian villages. Children and young people gather in small groups on the evenings of January 7th or 13th and go from house to house singing songs that glorify Christ. Hosts generously treat the carol singers with sweets, and some even give them money for a good song.  
In the village of Bogdanovka, handmade ‘bytlei’, also known as ‘buklei’ [a large five-pointed star, symbolising the star of the Bethlehem night], have been an unchanging attribute of the holiday for many years. The simple cylindrical structure features a tiny theatre inside, with paper animals, people, and trees. When a candle is lit, shadows of fairy-tale characters begin to come alive on the screen made of matte tracing paper. Children are captivated!  
WHERE: Bogdanovka, Luninets District, Brest Region

Many people have loved carol singing since childhood     Belta

By Sofia Arsenyeva