News photo: Trinity celebrated in Belarus

An ancient rite is celebrated in Belarusian villages on the Feast of the Holy Trinity: Kust Procession. It honours Mother Nature – so that it contributes to the fertility of lands and people, to their health and well-being. A lady – who is doing well with her children, family and household – is annually dressed up as Kusta which symbolises a young flowering tree of life. Kusta is then led around the village houses, and their hosts give it all sorts of goodies and money. A sprig of maple – presented by this lady to be stuck under the roof or placed in a red corner – is believed to protect a family from diseases, crop failures and disasters all year round.