Traditions at a wedding: Russian signs and customs for starting a happy family life. Russian people: customs, rituals, legends, superstitions

Old Russian rituals originate in pagan times. Even Christianity could not destroy their power. Many traditions have survived to our times.

How did Old Russian rituals appear?

The most important Old Russian rituals are associated with elemental forces, or rather with their natural mystical side. The basis of the life of every peasant was hard labor on the land, so most traditions were associated with appeasing rain, sun and harvest.

During the seasons, a certain amount was used to improve the crop and protect livestock. Among the most important sacraments, baptism and communion are in first place.

Caroling is a ritual of the Christmas holidays, during which participants in the ritual receive treats for singing special songs in the homes of relatives and friends. It was believed that during Christmas time, the sun receives a huge amount of energy to awaken the earth and nature.

Now caroling has remained a tradition associated with Slavic history, both in Ukraine and Belarus. Fortune telling is considered one of the components of the ritual. Many experts in the mystical sphere claim that during this period the most accurate predictions can be obtained.

The end of March is considered the equinox period, during which Maslenitsa rituals are held. Like an avatar pagan god Yarilo, pancakes are considered a traditional dish of this holiday.

Not a single Maslenitsa will be considered complete without burning an effigy on the last day of the celebration. The doll symbolizes the end of severe cold and the arrival of spring. At the end of the burning, Maslenitsa transfers its energy to the fields, giving them fertility.

In mythology, he is considered a powerful deity associated with the worship of the power of the Sun. In early times it was held on the day of the summer solstice, but over time it was associated with the birthday of John the Baptist. All ritual activities take place at night.

The symbol of the ritual is considered to be flower wreaths, which are used for fortune telling. On this day, unmarried girls throw their wreath down the river to find their betrothed.

There is a belief that on this night it blooms rare flower fern, indicating ancient treasures and treasures. However to the common man it is almost impossible to find it. An invariable part of the holiday was chants, round dances around the fire and jumping over the fire. This helps clear away negativity and improve health. In addition, separate events are held.

Among all kinds of ancient customs, you can stumble upon quite strange and incomprehensible rituals:

  • Daughtership

This was the name of the intimate relationship between the father-in-law and his son’s wife. Officially this was not approved and was considered a minor sin. Fathers tried to send their sons under any pretext to for a long time so that the daughter-in-law does not have the opportunity to refuse. Nowadays such things are dealt with law enforcement agencies, and in those days there was no one to complain to.

  • Sin of the dump

Now this sin can be observed in special films made in Germany, and many years ago it was staged in Russian villages. After the traditional activities, the couples left to look for fern flowers. But this was just an excuse to retire and indulge in carnal pleasures.

  • Gasky

The custom is known from the words of the traveler Roccolini. All the young people of the village gathered in one house, sang songs and danced to the fire. When the light went out, everyone began to indulge in carnal pleasures with the first one that came to hand. It is unknown whether the traveler himself participated in such a ritual.

  • Overbaking

The ritual was used in cases of the birth of a premature baby in the family. If the mother’s body could not provide the necessary strength to the baby, then it should have been baked. The newborn was wrapped in unleavened dough, leaving only one nose, and baked, pronouncing special words. Of course, the oven had to be warm, then the bundle was laid out on the table. It was believed that this cleanses the baby from diseases.

  • Scarier than pregnant women

Our ancestors were very sensitive to childbirth. They believed that during pregnancy, the child crosses a difficult path to the world of the living. The birth process itself is very difficult, and the midwives made it even harder. Near the woman in labor they rattled loudly and shot, so that when the mother was frightened it would be easier for the child to come out into the world.

  • Salting

In addition to Rus', such a ritual was performed in France and England. It involved adding strength to children from salt. The child was completely rubbed with salt and wrapped in cloth; wealthier people buried him completely in it. All the skin could peel off from the child, but at the same time he became healthier.

  • Dead Man's Rite

Otherwise, this ritual is called a wedding. In ancient times, a white dress and veil were considered funeral clothes. Marriage is associated with the new birth of a woman, but for a new birth one must die. This is where the belief comes from that the bride should be mourned as if she were dead. When handing over the ransom, the groom seemed to be looking for her in the world of the dead and bringing her to the light. The bride's friends acted as guardians of the afterlife.

The rich and diverse culture of the Slavs managed to preserve most of the rituals and customs. The Russian people have always been original and have honored their traditions from time immemorial. Over time cultural heritage underwent significant changes, but still the age-old connections were not lost, in modern world there is still room for ancient legends and superstitions. Let's try to remember the most important customs, rituals and traditions of the Russian people.

Through me

The basis of the centuries-old culture of the Slavs has always been family, clan, and continuity of generations. The rituals and customs of the Russian people entered a person’s life from the moment of his birth. If a boy was born, he was traditionally swaddled in his father's shirt. It was believed that in this way he takes on all the necessary masculine qualities. The girl was wrapped in her mother's clothes so that she would grow up to be a good housewife. From an early age, children revered their father and unquestioningly fulfilled all his demands and wishes. The head of the family was akin to God, who gave continuation to his family.

In order for the child to receive a blessing from higher powers, not get sick and develop well, the father presented his heir to the deities. First of all, he showed the baby to Yarila, Semarglu and Svarog. The Gods of Heaven must give their protection to the baby. Then it was the turn of Mother Earth, or, as she was otherwise called, the Goddess Mokosh. The child was placed on the ground and then dipped into water.

Bratchina

If you delve into history and look for which rituals and customs of the Russian people were the most fun and populous, then the brotherhood will take one of the main places. This was not a spontaneous gathering of people and a mass celebration. They had been preparing for this ritual for months. Especially for the brotherhood, livestock was fattened and beer was brewed in large quantities. In addition, drinks included wine, mead and kvass. Each invitee had to bring a treat. The place for the holiday was chosen by all honest people. A random person could not get into the brotherhood - everyone had to receive an invitation. At the table, the most honorable places were occupied by people whose merits were valued most highly. Buffoons and singers came to entertain the feasters. The festivities could last several hours, and sometimes several weeks.

Wedding

Modern youth do not even suspect that everything wedding traditions came from ancient times. Some have undergone changes, some have remained the same as in the times of our ancestors. Of all the rituals and customs of the Russian people, weddings are considered the most exciting.

According to a long-standing tradition, it had several stages. Matchmaking, bridesmaids, collusion, pre-wedding week, hen and stag parties, wedding, gathering of the wedding train, wedding, wedding feast, trial of the newlywed, withdrawals - without these important components it is impossible to even imagine getting married in Rus'.

Despite the fact that now they treat this much more simply, some wedding customs, rituals, and proverbs of the Russian people continue to live. Who is not familiar with the expression: “You have goods, we have merchants”? It is with these words that the groom’s parents come to get married.

And the tradition of carrying a young wife into the house in his arms is associated with the desire to deceive the brownie. This is how the husband fooled the owner of the house, making it clear that he was carrying a newborn family member in his arms, and not a stranger. Vytiye can now cause horror, but previously not a single preparation for a wedding was complete without this ritual. They lamented and cried for the bride, as in our time for a dead person.

The ritual of showering young people with grain has survived to this day - for large families and wealth. In ancient times, bells on wedding trains were used to scare away evil spirits, but now they have been replaced by tin cans tied to the bumper of a car.

Theft and bride price are also old Russian customs. The composition of the dowry also has not undergone significant changes - feather beds, pillows, blankets are still given by parents to the bride before the wedding. True, in ancient times the girl herself had to make them with her own hands.

Yuletide rituals

After the establishment of Christianity in Rus', new church holidays appeared. The most beloved and long-awaited is Christmas. From January 7 to January 19, Christmas festivities took place - a favorite youth fun. All the legends, superstitions, rituals and customs of the Russian people associated with these days have survived to our time.

Young girls gathered in small groups to tell fortunes for the betrothed and find out from which end of the village to wait for the matchmakers. The most extreme way to see your chosen one was going to the bathhouse with a mirror and a candle. The danger was that it was necessary to do this alone and at the same time remove the cross from oneself.

Carols

The culture, customs and rituals of the Russian people are closely connected with the world of nature and animals. In the evenings, young people went to caroling. Dressed up in animal skins or bright costumes, they knocked on houses and begged for food from the owners with carol songs. Refusing such guests was fraught - they could easily destroy the woodpile, freeze the door, or commit other minor mischief. Carolers were treated to sweets and it was always believed that their wishes (generosity) would ensure prosperity and peace in the house for the whole year, and save the owners from illnesses and misfortunes. The custom of dressing up as animals is rooted in paganism - this way it was possible to scare away evil spirits.

Superstitions and signs for Christmas

It was believed that losing something on the eve of a holiday meant suffering losses for the whole year. Dropping or breaking a mirror means trouble. Many stars in the sky - to a great harvest. Doing handicrafts on Christmas Eve means being sick all year.

Maslenitsa

The most cheerful and delicious holiday in Rus' actually has a rather gloomy interpretation. In the old days, the dead were commemorated on these days. Actually, the burning of an effigy of Maslenitsa is a funeral, and pancakes are a treat.

This holiday is interesting because it lasts a whole week, and each day is dedicated to a separate ritual. On Monday they made a stuffed animal and rolled it on a sleigh throughout the village. On Tuesday, mummers walked throughout the village and gave performances.

A distinctive feature of this day was considered to be “bear” entertainment. The trained owners of the forest staged entire performances, depicting women in their usual activities.

On Wednesday, the main celebration began - pancakes were baked in houses. They set up tables on the streets and sold food. It was possible under open air taste hot tea from the samovar and eat pancakes. Also on this day it was customary to go to the mother-in-law for a treat.

Thursday was a special day when all the good guys could compete in heroic strength. Maslenitsa fist fights attracted guys, everyone wanted to show off their prowess.

On Friday, pancakes were baked at the son-in-law’s house, and it was his turn to treat all the guests. On Saturday, the daughters-in-law received guests from among their husband's relatives.

And Sunday was called “forgiveness.” It is on this day that it is customary to apologize for grievances and visit the cemetery to say goodbye to the dead. The effigy of Maslenitsa was burned and from that day on it was believed that spring had come into its own.

Ivan Kupala

The customs, legends and rituals of the Russian people associated with this holiday have been preserved to this day. Of course, many things have changed, but the basic meaning remains the same.

According to legend, on the day of the summer solstice, people tried to appease the great heavenly being so that it would give them a good harvest and ward off illness. But with the advent of Christianity, Kupala merged with the feast of John the Baptist and began to bear the name Ivan Kupala.

The most interesting thing about this holiday is that legends talk about a great miracle happening on this night. Certainly, we're talking about about the flowering of fern.

This myth has caused many people to wander through the forest at night in the hope of seeing a miracle for several centuries. It was believed that anyone who sees a fern bloom will find out where all the treasures in the world are hidden. In addition, all the herbs in the forest acquired special medicinal powers that night.

The girls wove wreaths from 12 different herbs and floated them down the river. If he drowns, expect trouble. If it floats long enough, get ready for a wedding and prosperity. To wash away all sins, one had to swim and jump over the fire.

Peter and Fevronia Day

Tradition says that Prince Peter became seriously ill and saw prophetic dream that the maiden Fevronia will help him heal. He found the girl, but she demanded that he marry her as payment. The prince gave his word and did not keep it. The illness returned, and he was forced to ask for help again. But this time he kept his promise. The family was strong and it was these Saints who became the patrons of marriage. The original Russian holiday is celebrated immediately after Ivan Kupala - July 8th. It can be compared to Western Valentine's Day. The difference is that in Russia this day is not considered a holiday for all lovers, but only married people. All future spouses dream of getting married on this day.

Saved

This is another sweet holiday whose roots go back to ancient times. Russia celebrates August 14 Honey Spas. On this day, the honeycombs are filled with a sweet delicacy and it is time to collect the viscous amber-colored liquid.

August 19 - Apple Spas. This day marks the arrival of autumn and the beginning of the harvest. People rush to church to bless the apples and taste the first fruits, since until that day it was forbidden to eat them. You need to treat all your family and friends with fruits. In addition, they bake apple pies and treat all passersby.

Nut Spas begins on August 29. From that day on, it was customary to dig potatoes, bake pies from fresh bread flour, and store nuts for the winter. Great holidays were held throughout the country - festivities were held in villages before the harvest, and fairs were held in cities. On this day, birds begin to fly to warmer climes.

Intercession

On October 14, people said goodbye to autumn and welcomed winter. It often snowed on this day, which was compared to the bride’s veil. It is on this day that it is customary to get married, because the Intercession gives love and happiness to all people in love.

There are for this holiday and special rituals. For the first time, women lit a fire in the stove, symbolizing warmth and comfort in the house. Branches or logs of fruit trees had to be used for these purposes. This way it was possible to ensure a good harvest for the next year.

The hostess baked pancakes and Pokrovsky loaf. This bread had to be treated to neighbors, and the leftovers had to be hidden until Lent.

Also on this day one could ask the Mother of God for protection for children. The woman stood with the icon on the bench and read a prayer over her family. All the children knelt down.

Young girls and boys were having get-togethers. It was believed that the Mother of God gave protection to everyone who got married on this day.

You can learn more about all the traditions in training course Basics religious cultures and secular ethics (ORKSE). The customs and rituals of the Russian people are revealed there with maximum accuracy and described in accordance with historical facts.

Our country has rich history, full of many events and achievements. The main way to unite people in the state has always been the traditions and customs of the Russian people, which have been preserved for a long time.

Popular traditions

Feasts

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Feast

Noisy feasts are extremely popular. Since ancient times, any respected person considered it his duty to periodically organize feasts and invite a large number of guests to them. Such events were planned in advance and prepared for them on a large scale.

Currently, the tradition of noisy Russian feasts has not changed at all. Relatives, groups of friends, and colleagues can gather around a large table. Such events are always accompanied by the consumption of large quantities of food and alcoholic beverages.

Any reason for a feast can be significant event– visit of a distant relative, farewell to the army, family celebrations, state or professional holidays, etc.

Christening

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Christening

The rite of baptism has existed in Rus' since ancient times. The child must be sprinkled with holy water in the temple, and a cross must be put on his neck. This ritual is designed to protect the baby from evil spirits.

Before the baptism ceremony, the child’s parents choose a godmother and godfather from their immediate circle. These people are henceforth responsible for the well-being and life of their ward. In accordance with the traditions of baptism, it is believed that every January 6, a grown-up child should bring a kutya to his godparents, and they present him with sweets in gratitude.

Wake

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wake

After burying the body, all relatives and friends of the deceased go to his house, to the house of someone close to him, or to a special hall for the funeral.

During the ceremony, everyone present at the table remembers the deceased kind words. It is customary to hold a funeral directly on the day of the funeral, on the ninth day, or on the fortieth day a year after death.

Holidays

Folk traditions and customs of the Russian people include not only certain rituals, but also rules for celebrating calendar and Orthodox holidays.

Kupala

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Kupala

The Kupala holiday was formed in those days when, in honor of the god of fertility, people sang songs in the evenings and jumped over the fire. This ritual eventually became a traditional annual celebration of the summer solstice. It mixes both pagan and Christian traditions.

God Kupala acquired the name Ivan after the baptism of Rus'. The reason is simple - the pagan deity was replaced by the image of John the Baptist created by the people.

Maslenitsa

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Maslenitsa

In ancient times, Maslenitsa was considered a day of remembrance for dead people. Therefore, the process of burning an effigy was considered a funeral, and eating pancakes was a wake.

Over time, the Russian people gradually transformed the perception of this holiday. Maslenitsa became a day of farewell to winter and anticipation of the coming of spring. On this day there were noisy festivities, entertainment was held for people - fist fights, fairs, horse-drawn sled rides, sledding down ice slides, various competitions and competitions.

And the main tradition remained unchanged - baking pancakes in large quantities and invite guests to get-togethers with pancakes. Traditional pancakes are supplemented with all kinds of additives - sour cream, honey, red caviar, condensed milk, jams, etc.

Easter

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Easter

The Easter holiday in Rus' is considered a bright day of universal equality, forgiveness and kindness. On this day, it is customary to prepare standard treats for this holiday. Easter cakes and Easter cakes are traditionally baked by Russian women, housewives, and the eggs are painted by young family members (youth, children). Easter eggs symbolize drops of Christ's blood. Nowadays, they are not only painted in all sorts of colors, but also decorated with themed stickers and patterns.

On Easter Sunday itself, it is customary to say “Christ is Risen” when meeting with friends. Those who hear this greeting should answer it “Truly He is Risen.” After the exchange of traditional phrases, there is a three-time kiss and an exchange of holiday treats (Easter cakes, Easter eggs, eggs).

New Year's and Christmas

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Christmas and New Year

New Year in Russia is celebrated in all families; not everyone gathers for Christmas. But, in all churches, services are held on the occasion of the “Nativity of Christ”. Usually on New Year's Day, December 31, they give gifts, set the table, and see off old year, and then they celebrate the New Year with the chimes and the address of the Russian President to citizens. Christmas is Orthodox holiday, which closely entered into the life of the Russian people. This bright day is celebrated by all citizens of the country, regardless of their faith. Christmas is traditionally considered a family occasion, celebrated with loved ones.

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. New Year's and Christmas

The day before Christmas, which falls on January 6, is called “Christmas Eve.” Comes from the word “sochivo”, which means a special Christmas dish consisting of boiled cereals. The cereal is poured with honey on top and sprinkled with nuts and poppy seeds. It is believed that there should be a total of 12 dishes on the table.

They sit down at the table when the first race appears in the night sky. The next day, January 7, comes the family holiday itself, on which the family gets together and relatives give each other gifts.

The next 12 days after Christmas Day are called Christmastide. Previously, during Christmastide, young unmarried girls gathered together to perform various rituals and fortune telling, designed to attract suitors and determine their betrothed. Currently, the tradition has been preserved. Girls still get together on Christmastide and tell fortunes about their suitors.

Wedding customs

A special place in Everyday life are occupied by wedding customs and traditions of the Russian people. Wedding is a day of education new family, filled with many rituals and entertainment.

Matchmaking

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

After the young man has decided to choose a candidate for his life partner, the need arises for matchmaking. This custom involves the groom and his authorized representatives (usually parents) paying a visit to the bride’s house. The groom and his accompanying relatives are met by the bride's parents at a laid table. During the feast, a joint decision is made on whether the wedding between the young people will take place. The decision is sealed by the handshake of the parties, marking the engagement.

Nowadays, standard matchmaking is not as popular as it used to be, but the tradition of the groom approaching the bride's parents to receive their blessing still persists.

Dowry

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

After making a positive decision regarding the marriage of the newlyweds, the question of preparing the bride's dowry arises. Usually the dowry is prepared by the girl's mother. It includes bed linen, dishes, furnishings, clothing, etc. Especially rich brides can receive a car, apartment or house from their parents.

The more dowry a girl has prepared, the more enviable a bride she is considered. In addition, its presence greatly facilitates the life of young people during the first time of their life together.

hen-party

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

Closer to the day of the celebration, the bride schedules a bachelorette party. On this day, she gets together with her friends and relatives to finally have some fun as a free girl, unencumbered by family worries. The bachelorette party can take place anywhere - in a bathhouse, in the bride’s house, etc.

Ransom

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

The most fun and spontaneous stage of the wedding celebration. The groom, along with his relatives and friends, arrives at the bride’s doorstep, where all the other guests are waiting for him. At the threshold, the procession is met by representatives of the bride - girlfriends and relatives. Their task is to test the groom’s endurance, ingenuity and generosity. If a young man passes all the tests offered to him or is able to pay for the defeat with money, he gets the opportunity to get closer to the bride.

Competitions during the ransom can be very diverse - from very humorous and easy riddles to real tests for physical strength, endurance. Often, to pass the tests, the groom has to resort to the help of his friends.

At the end of the ransom, the groom enters the room where his betrothed is.

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

Blessing

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

According to tradition, the mother of the bride approaches the newlyweds with a family icon and blesses them for a long and happy life. The icon must be covered with a towel, since touching it with bare hands is prohibited.

During the blessing, the newlyweds must kneel. The mother of the bride describes the cross with an icon three times over their heads, while delivering a parting speech. Usually this speech contains wishes to live in peace and quiet, not to quarrel or be offended over trifles, and to always be one.

Wedding feast

Photo: Traditions and customs of the Russian people. Wedding customs

The culmination of the celebration is the wedding feast, during which everyone makes speeches to the newlyweds. These speeches always contain many parting words, wishes, and good jokes.

An unchanging tradition of the Russian wedding feast is shouting the word “Bitter!” Each time this word is mentioned, the newlyweds must stand up and exchange a kiss. There are different theories about the origin of this tradition. According to one version, the word “bitter” in this interpretation comes from the word “slides”, since earlier during weddings an ice slide was built for the celebration, with the bride standing on top of it. The groom had to climb this slide to receive a kiss.

Another version of the origin of the tradition has a rather sad meaning. Since ancient times, girls did not choose their own grooms, so getting married meant for the bride not only leaving her parents’ house and saying goodbye to her youth, but also the beginning family life with an unloved person. Now this meaning of the word is irrelevant, since girls have long chosen their own grooms, and marriages are concluded by mutual consent.

According to another version, during the feast, guests drink vodka, which has a bitter taste, to the health of the bride and groom. The newlyweds should kiss during toasts in order to dilute the bitterness of the alcoholic drink with a sweet kiss.


The history and culture of the Russian people goes back many centuries. All these years it was continuously enriched with new phenomena and traditions, but continued to preserve the memory of the experience and customs of its ancestors. Often Russian national rituals form a rather bizarre combination of actions determined by ancient pagan beliefs, which, nevertheless, harmoniously correlate with Christian Orthodox canons.

Most rituals in Rus' are, in one way or another, connected with religion, and more ancient, pre-Christian traditions with the mythological personification of the elements and natural phenomena.

To the most famous and important pagan rituals, which survived even after the baptism of Rus' include:

  1. Maslenitsa.
  2. Ivan Kupala Day.
  3. Caroling.
  4. Yarilin's day.

All of them, one way or another, were associated with the archaic ideas of the Slavs about the forces of nature and most often were tied to some events, calendar or seasons.

Maslenitsa

Since ancient times, the event that occurred on the day of the vernal equinox was celebrated widely and on a grand scale. People rejoiced at the arrival of spring: it is no coincidence that the symbol of this holiday was a pancake - a miniature symbolic sun. Maslenitsa itself symbolized winter. It was believed that after the burning ceremony, all one’s powerful energy it will give to the land, thereby ensuring a rich harvest and protecting against natural disasters.

Ivan Kupala Day

Initially, the holiday was tied to the day of the summer solstice, but the name itself, which has survived to this day, was received already in the Christian era by the name of John the Baptist. This epithet in Greek sounds like “bather”, “immerser”, which is quite consistent with the essence of the celebration - ritual ablution in an open reservoir. This holiday very clearly demonstrates the bizarre combination of Christian religious traditions with pagan, archaic beliefs and rituals.

One of the main traditions of Ivan Kupala is jumping over the fire. It was believed that this promotes cleansing, protects against illnesses and allows protection from evil spirits. It was very important to swim in a river or lake on the night of Ivan Kupala, since the water was considered purified from all evil spirits and acquiring certain magical properties.

Yarilin's day

Again in the beginning pagan holiday, dedicated to god sun - Yaril, with the adoption of Christianity, certain motifs were added about the struggle of the saints with the pagan deity.

On this day, the ancient Slavs turned to Yarila for help so that he would provide crops sunlight and protected from flooding. An important ritual that took place on this day was called “Unlocking the Earth.” It was absolutely necessary to bathe in the dew, because... It was believed that on this day it has healing and miraculous properties.

Caroling

This ritual, as a rule, was timed to coincide with Christmastide and consisted of a group of young men and girls going around all the houses in the village, who sang comic songs or good wishes addressed to the owners, receiving a ritual reward for this. Old Russian farmers were confident that participation in Christmas rituals doubled the energy of fertility and contributed to an increase in crop yields, offspring of livestock, and ensured general well-being in the farmstead.

With the adoption of Orthodoxy, a significant number of religious rituals appeared, associated with the onset of certain important stages in a person’s life. Among the main ones are:

  1. Baptism.
  2. Wedding ceremonies.
  3. Funeral rites.

Baptism

The rite of baptism signified the spiritual birth of a person and his belonging to the Christian religion. The child had to be baptized in the first year of life. For each baby, godparents were appointed, who presented the child with an icon of his patron and an Orthodox pectoral cross. The newborn was named in accordance with the name of the saint mentioned in the calendar.

The choice of godparents was treated very responsibly: it was believed that they were responsible for the child and should set a worthy example for him to the same extent as biological parents. After the ceremony was performed in the church, a festive and generous feast was held with the presence of all the people close to the newly baptized baby.

Wedding ceremonies

In Rus', they tried to set aside certain periods in the calendar year for weddings. It was impossible to get married during major fasts. In addition, weddings rarely took place during the period of the most intense agricultural work.
The main wedding rituals included:

  • Matchmaking.
  • Looks and glances.
  • Collusion.
  • Wedding train.
  • Wedding.

Not a single wedding was complete without matchmaking. It was the most important stage, at which the groom’s family decided whether to persuade the girl they liked to marry their son. Moreover, very often at this stage, they were not even interested in the opinions of the potential newlyweds themselves, and the bride and groom could see each other only at the bride’s party.

If both parties were satisfied with everything, a wedding agreement took place, during which the heads of families literally, beat each other on the hands, symbolically indicating the achievement of fundamental agreement on marriage between their children. During the conspiracy, the wedding date, invited guests, as well as other organizational issues were discussed.

To refuse to marry after an agreement meant disgracing yourself and your potential spouse. In case of refusal, the “injured” party had the right to demand compensation for all losses associated with this action.

On the wedding day, a wedding train was assembled, which consisted of elegant chaises, carts or sleighs, at the head of which was the groom's groomsman, who was in charge of the route.

Finally, the most important wedding ceremony was the wedding. After the sacrament was completed, the parents of the newlyweds waited at the groom’s house, greeted them with bread and salt and threw a generous and cheerful wedding feast.

Funeral rites

The main meaning of all rituals associated with the burial of the deceased was the desire to facilitate his transition from this world to the kingdom of God. The funeral service could not be performed if the person was not baptized, committed the sin of suicide, or did not confess or receive communion during the year before death. The deceased was put on a pectoral cross, dressed in clean clothes and covered with a funeral blanket. Music was considered inappropriate, as were flowers.

It was believed that the main thing on this day was prayer for the forgiveness of the sins of the deceased. After the burial of the deceased, relatives organized a memorial meal, which was accompanied by appropriate prayers. Bringing food to the churchyard was considered unacceptable. According to tradition, food was brought to the church and treated to parishioners. On the 3rd, 9th and 40th days a funeral service was ordered in the church. All this time, the relatives mourned the deceased, dressed in dresses of dark shades

Among the traditions that have been observed in Rus' for centuries, there are many that today would be considered a crime, idiocy, a manifestation of backwardness and even madness. Only rare historical evidence remains about some, but some are still found today, in a softened or distorted form.

Early marriage

According to ancient traditions, daughters were married off at the age of 12-13, and church rules obliged “not to delay.” At the beginning of the 18th century, Peter I set a more reasonable limit, which was in line with European trends: 17 years. But by the end of the century, under Catherine II, the Synod again lowered the marriageable age for girls to 13 years.

Despite their childish age, by our standards, the brides were quite ready for their adult role, since they were “trained” to get married and family life almost from infancy. However, among the nobility, especially after Peter’s decree, girls most often became wives from 16 to 18 years old. Not married by the age of 20 was considered old maid and aroused suspicions that she had some kind of disgusting flaw or vice.

By the way, marriages of aging men with young ladies, although they were common, were still condemned by society as “unequal.” There is no need to talk about the opposite - the marriage of middle-aged women with young men: this was the rarest exception.

From “ritual copulation” to “aversion to sex”

Before the advent of Christianity, our ancestors did not experience a sense of shame. Like most ancient peoples, the Slavs had a cult of fertility, and the fertility of the earth was closely related to human fertility. They “transferred” their strength and passion to the earth by having sex in a plowed field and even dousing it with sperm. There is information that ritual copulations took place here and there in Russia and Ukraine until the end of the 19th century.

However, in Russian Orthodox tradition even marital sex became “sinful” and was partially banned. Of the 365 days in a year, 315 were religious dates and fasts, when it was impossible to even think about love affairs. In the remaining 50 days, the church allowed sex only “for childbearing,” and not for pleasure, so positions in which it was difficult to get pregnant, for example, “standing” or “riding one’s husband” were strictly prohibited - they were even considered demonic. But the woman we would call frigid was praised as a virtuous wife.

True, the Russian people, while honoring God, did not particularly strive to follow these orders of the church, with the possible exception of deeply religious families. For example, there is an old saying: “Sin, while your legs are up, the Lord has forgiven you.”

Some ancient Maslenitsa traditions have not survived to this day and are unlikely to be correctly understood. For example, such a rural custom as “tselovnik” or “kisser” is a special sign of attention to newlyweds who got married during the past year, when everyone could come to their house and kiss their wife. On the contrary, boys and girls who remained single (and therefore did not fulfill their purpose in life) were punished. In the southern Russian regions, most often they tied a symbolic block to the foot of the “guilty” (it could be, for example, a piece of wood or a branch) and forced them to walk with it for some time. You could pay off punishment with money or food.

Plot with a sickle at the throat

Despite the deep influence of Christianity, the Russian people have retained a lot of pagan prejudices and “mystical” rituals since ancient times. Many people today are fond of, say, Christmas fortune-telling or protecting themselves “from the evil eye,” but, fortunately, completely wild things are no longer practiced, such as, for example, naked “races.” frosty nights around the house to lure the groom or scare away evil forces. And some rituals and prayers could be deadly. On the night of Ivan Kupala - one of the most riotous holidays of the year - the most important occupation was to collect herbs and roots. The matter was considered extremely risky: people were afraid of evil spirits, but they could not defend themselves against it with a cross, believing that the power of herbs would not be given into their hands. Instead of prayer, they read a “pagan” conspiracy, while placing a sharpened sickle or a large knife with a blade to the throat.

Ritual outrages

Several times a year, mainly on New Year's and summer holidays, young people were allowed to “let out demons” - to organize pogroms, arson, steal from neighbors, spoil other people's property, make evil and bad jokes on people (for example, closing a chimney so that smoke went into the house or propped up the doors with heavy objects so that the owners could not get out). The participants in the hooliganism remained unpunished, although at any other time all these actions were, of course, unacceptable. Such atrocities are believed to have been part of protective and cleansing rites - to become a beast, to go to great lengths, so that, having temporarily lost human appearance, “be freed from demons” and regain it again.

Fist fights

The tradition is still alive today, but, fortunately, not in the form that was known since ancient times for many centuries. Usually battles were held on major holidays, in winter - on the ice of frozen rivers and lakes. The most famous type of Russian fist fighting is “wall to wall”. There were several lines of fighters by age: in front were teenagers 13-16 years old, then unmarried youths, after them were men 25 years old and older. Despite the strict rules, in the heat of the fight, under the screams of excited spectators, fighters often lost their sense of proportion.

From an article about the history of Russian fist fights in the magazine “Russian Antiquity” for 1913: “It was not at all a fight, quarrel, hostility or anything like that, but something like a game. Meanwhile, the blows were inflicted seriously, causing bruises and even death. Fist fighting exists in many countries, but<…>in the form in which they exist in Russia - in the form of a competition between huge gatherings of crowds, one against the other, this has never happened anywhere. Prowess and excess strength asked to come out and found a way out in such a peculiar game.”

Polygamy and widow suicide

At the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries, the Persian scholar Ibn Rusta recorded observations about the “land of the Slavs”: “When someone dies among them, his corpse is burned. Women, when they have a dead person, scratch their hands and faces with a knife.”

According to his own notes, if the deceased had several wives and one of them claims that she loved him most of all, then she builds a gallows near the corpse and hangs herself, after which her dead body is thrown into the fire. The suicide of widows was also mentioned by other ancient foreign authors.

By the way, polygamy among some Slavic tribes is confirmed in the “Tale of Bygone Years” of the early 12th century - the most famous of the Russian chronicles, believed to have been written by the monk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery Nestor.

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