BELARUSIAN CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

1. Why is it important to learn and remember the customs, traditions and holidays of a country? It is important to remember the holidays of your country, because they help the older generation to pass the national values onto their children. Young people can figure out who they are in this world. Holidays and traditions give them a sense of belonging and a sense of security: they realize that they are a part of nation, which will always support them and give advice in a difficult situation, so they will never feel lonely. Holidays also unite people. They give people enjoyable memories and are fun.

When we learn the traditions of the country we travel to, we find out a lot about the nation: they represent the spirit of the nation, their beliefs and values, their national character, customs and good manners. If you don’t know a tradition, you might feel lost or make some mistakes. Sometimes you might even seem disrespectful.

2. What do you know about Belarusian holidays? Throughout many centuries of history, the Belarusian people created their unique and original culture. Here traditional folk customs coexist with Christian traditions. 

There are eleven official holidays in the country: New Year’s day, Orthodox and Catholic Christmas, the 8^th of March (International Women’s Day), Orthodox and Catholic Easter, Radunitsa, Victory Day (the 9^th of May), Labour Day (the 1^st of May), Independence Day (the 3^rd of July) and October Revolution Day (the 7^th of November).

Christians make up the biggest part of the population. Christmas and Easter are the main religious holidays, 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 holidays of pagan origin as Kupalle (Midsummer Night) and Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) are very popular in Belarus. Folk games and traditional ceremonies are part of them. One of the main traditions of Kupalle is the search for the mythical paparats-kvetka (fern flower). Those, who find it, will enjoy good luck for the whole year; all their wishes will come true. Young girls make wreaths from flowers and send them down the river if they want to find out who their future husband will be. Maslenitsa sees winter off and meets spring. Festivals of folk music, dancing and national costumes are organized at the time of Maslenitsa. People eat a lot of pancakes with butter. In the evening they burn a doll, which symbolizes winter, its death and the beginning of the new season.

3. Can you describe your favourite holiday?

4. What souvenirs would you advise to bring from Belarus? Belarus is famous for its handmade souvenirs from straw and clay, which include figurines and dishes. Also people can buy magnets with the pictures of Mir and Nesvizh Castles, the Drama Theatre in Grodno, Minsk or our national symbols: the European bison, stork, draniki, corn flowers or national ornaments. Also tourists really love our linen tablecloths and trousers or shirts. They are very beautiful, environment-friendly and comfortable. Makey is a famous factory, which makes leather goods, including wallets, bags, notebooks and so on.

5. What questions about Belarusian customs and traditions do you expect to hear from a foreigner?