Forgotten Russian traditions of centuries of antiquity

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

For a Russian person, his historical heritage is very important. Russian folk traditions and customs have been observed for centuries both among the villagers and among the townspeople. Nowadays, not many people honor ancient traditions, so we suggest recalling the brightest of them.

Arranged fistfights

Fist fights were organized in winter during Christmas time on Shrovetide. Two villages could fight each other, residents of opposite ends of one large village, "monastic" peasants with landowners, etc. They also prepared for battles very seriously, for example, the peasants steamed in the baths, tried to eat more meat and bread, which, according to belief, gave strength and courage.

The carnage relieved the tension and let off steam.

They drank bread wine instead of vodka

Bread wine (semigar) is a strong alcoholic drink that our ancestors used before the invention of vodka. It was made by distilling grain mash. Wine is called bread wine because cereals are used for its preparation: rye, barley, wheat, buckwheat, etc.

By the way, in terms of production technology, bread wine is no different from whiskey.

They quenched their thirst with "Ivan-tea", not Ceylon tea with an elephant

Ivan-tea, or scientifically narrow-leaved fireweed, is an amazing, but undeservedly forgotten herb. This drink was used as a powerful source of strength. A samovar with a drink made from fireweed stood on the table and was a source of strength for the whole day, allowing you not to eat and do hard physical work.

In times of famine, a peasant could "eat" only Kaporsky tea.

Gave birth at home, not in maternity hospitals

In Russia, they tried to give birth to children at home, and even better - in a bathhouse, in a warm place, away from prying eyes. Following signs, in order to facilitate childbirth, the braids were unraveled to the woman in labor, jewelry was removed from her, and she was unbelted. All chests, cupboards, windows and doors had to be opened. The midwives helped the women in labor, and they did this not only during childbirth, but also kept the household for 8 days after.

Celebrated name days, not birthdays

Celebrating name days is one of the cultural traditions of ancient Russia. But in the 20-30s of the 20th century, the celebration of the name day was considered forbidden and was even subjected to official persecution. People began to give preference to celebrating a birthday over a name day. The very nature of the holiday became different: now the emphasis was on physical, not spiritual, birth.

In Russia, the morning of the birthday person began with a prayer, and then tea parties were arranged.

They were serious about going to the bathhouse

The Russian people timed a trip to the bathhouse to coincide with every important event in the family. For example, a son decided to marry, and then his mother arranged a bath day, to which the future daughter-in-law was also invited. A caring mother assessed the girl's health, her mental strength and endurance, because the mother of the future generation is part of the family.

Another unfortunately forgotten tradition is soaring in the hay. We replace it with the use of aromatherapy in the bath. But what can replace the smell of cut grass and real essential oils of meadow herbs.

The traditions of the Russian people have evolved over the centuries

Remember that traditions must be remembered and honored! Do you also know the traditions that we are gradually forgetting and losing?