Rites in Russia

The history and culture of the Russian people was formed over many centuries. During this time, many rites and customs were formed in Russia, and many of them have survived to this day. Many traditions are more or less connected with religion, but they have something in common with paganism. For each season of the year, there are rituals aimed at obtaining a good harvest, attracting rain or sun, and also fighting against impure forces.

Rites in Russia

A huge number of traditions associated with pagan rituals. For example, you can select the ritual of caroling, which is timed to the saints. People go around houses and sing songs called "carols", and they also send their owners different wishes, for which they receive different treats. Another famous pagan holiday, which is associated with different traditions - Ivan Kupala. They performed rituals mostly at night. Unmarried girls wove wreaths of ivan-da-marya flowers and let them with lit candles on the water to find out whom they would marry. On the day of Ivan Kupala, large-scale celebrations were held, danced rounds and jumped through the fire to cleanse the soul and body of various diseases.

There are also Maslenitsa rituals in Russia, for example, this day on the table must certainly have been pancakes, which personified the sun. An indispensable attribute of the carnival - a scarecrow, which is certainly burned, torn to pieces and scattered on arable land. Scarecrow is a symbol of the end of winter and the onset of spring. There are rituals associated with baptism, which symbolizes the spiritual birth of man. The rite of baptism must be performed during the first year. For him the godparents were chosen, on whom serious obligations were assigned. The child was called according to the name of the saint on the day of baptism. After the church ritual, a festive feast was held, attended by all the close children.

Traditions and ceremonies of the wedding in Russia

In ancient times, parents themselves selected pairs for their children, and newlyweds often saw each other only in the church. For the bride prepared a dowry, which included dresses, bedding, jewelry, etc.

Family wedding ceremonies in Russia:

  1. In the wedding feast took part not only relatives, but also other residents of the city. It was customary to arrange even for the poor.
  2. The bride wore a white dress, as it is a symbol of farewell to the old life.
  3. The newlyweds were sprinkled with corn so that they were rich and healthy.
  4. The bride was abducted, which symbolized the transition of the girl to a new family.
  5. Parents certainly met the bride and groom with caravans and icons.
  6. The groom must have come for the bride in the transport with bells.
  7. Ransom was engaged in matchmaking, and the groom came into the house only when the ransom was over.
  8. At the celebration, the groom and the bride were seated at a separate table, which was located on a hill - a locker. The table was covered with three tablecloths and salt, kalan and cheese were put on it.

Funeral ceremonies in Russia

All rituals associated with funerals are aimed at facilitating the transition of deceased people into the kingdom of God. The deceased was dressed in fresh and clean clothes, put on a cross and covered with a burial veil. The main rite is a funeral service, but it was not committed for suicides, as well as for people who did not receive communion and confession during the year before their death. Undisputed dead also did not burial. In ancient Russia flowers and music were not used at the funeral. After the deceased was betrayed to the ground, they invariably arranged a memorial meal, but it was unacceptable to bring food to the churchyard.