Download the presentation Easter bell in the traditions of the Cossacks. Customs and traditions of the Cossacks. Greetings and addresses
Respect for elders is one of the main customs of the Cossacks.
In the presence of an elder, it was not allowed to sit, smoke, talk (enter without his permission), and especially not to express himself obscenely. It was considered indecent to overtake an old man (senior in age); it was necessary to ask permission to pass. When entering somewhere, the eldest person is allowed in first. It was considered indecent for a younger person to enter into conversations in the presence of an older person. The younger one must give way to the old man (senior). The younger one must show patience and restraint, and not argue in any case. The elder's words were binding on the younger. During general (joint) events and decision-making, the opinion of the elder was necessarily sought. In conflict situations, disputes, discord, and fights, the word of the old man (senior) was decisive and its immediate execution was required. In general, among the Cossacks and especially among the Kuban people, respect for elders was an internal need in the Kuban, even in address you can rarely hear - “grandfather”, “old”, etc., but it is affectionately pronounced “batko”, “batki”.
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CUSTOMS, TRADITIONS, MORALS OF THE COSSACKS
A Cossack cannot consider himself a Cossack if he does not know and observe the traditions and customs of the Cossacks.
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Extremely strictly in the Cossack environment, along with the commandments of the Lord, traditions, customs, and beliefs were observed, which were the vital necessity of every Cossack family; non-compliance or violation of them was condemned by all residents of the farmstead or village.
Unwritten Cossack household laws: 1. Respect for elders. 2. Immense respect for the guest. 3. Respect for a woman (mother, sister, wife).
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Cossack and parents
Honoring parents, godfathers and godmothers was not just a custom, but an internal need for a son and daughter to take care of them. Filial and daughter's duty to parents was considered fulfilled after the commemoration of the fortieth day was celebrated, after their departure to another world.
The authority of father and mother was not only indisputable, but so revered that without the blessing of their parents they did not begin any work or make decisions on the most important matters.
Restraint, politeness and respect were observed in dealing with parents and elders in general. In Kuban, they addressed their father and mother only as “You” - “You, mother”, “You, tattoo”.
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Attitude towards elders
Respect for elders is one of the main customs of the Cossacks.
In the presence of an elder, it was not allowed to sit, smoke, talk (enter without his permission), and especially not to express himself obscenely. It was considered indecent to overtake an old man (senior in age); it was necessary to ask permission to pass. When entering somewhere, the eldest person is allowed in first. It was considered indecent for a younger person to enter into conversations in the presence of an older person. The younger one must give way to the old man (senior). The younger one must show patience and restraint, and not argue in any case. The elder's words were binding on the younger. During general (joint) events and decision-making, the opinion of the elder was necessarily sought. In conflict situations, disputes, discord, and fights, the word of the old man (senior) was decisive and its immediate execution was required. In general, among the Cossacks and especially among the Kuban people, respect for elders was an internal need in the Kuban, even in address you can rarely hear - “grandfather”, “old”, etc., but it is affectionately pronounced “batko”, “batki”.
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Cossacks and guests
Immense respect for the guest was due to the fact that the guest was considered a messenger of God. The most dear and welcome guest was considered a stranger from distant places, in need of shelter, rest and care. Those who did not show respect to the guest were deservedly subjected to contempt.
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Regardless of the age of the guest, he was given the best place at meals and on vacation. It was considered indecent to ask a guest for 3 days where he was from and what the purpose of his arrival was. Even the old man gave up his seat, although the guest was younger than him. The Cossacks had a rule: wherever he went on business or to visit, he never took food either for himself or for his horse.
Along with their hospitality, the Cossacks were distinguished by their extraordinary honesty. As Catholic priest Kitovich testifies, in Sich one could leave money on the street without fear that it might be stolen. It was considered the sacred duty of every Cossack to feed and treat a passerby with his wine.
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Attitude towards a woman
A respectful attitude towards a woman - mother, wife, sister - determined the concept of honor of a Cossack woman, the honor of a daughter, sister, wife - the dignity of a man was measured by the honor and behavior of a woman.
No matter who the woman was, she had to be treated with respect and protected - for a woman is the future of your people.
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A Cossack woman addressed an unfamiliar Cossack with the word “man.” The word "man" was considered offensive among the Cossacks.
A Cossack woman considered it a great sin and shame to appear in public (society) with her head uncovered, wear men's clothing and cut her hair.
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A Cossack, as a rule, addressed an unfamiliar Cossack woman as “mama”, the eldest in age, “sister” as an equal, and “daughter” (granddaughter) as the youngest. To greet each other, the Cossacks slightly raised their headdress and, with a handshake, inquired about the family’s health and the state of affairs. The Cossack women bowed to the man when he greeted him, and embraced each other with a kiss and conversation.
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Children and younger Cossacks addressed themselves as relatives, acquaintances and strangers, calling them “uncle”, “aunt”, “aunt”, “uncle” and, if they knew them, they called them by name. An elderly Cossack (Cossack woman) was addressed: “father”, “father”, “didu”, “baba”, “grandmother”, “grandmother”, adding a name if they knew it.
Without prayer they did not start or finish any task or meal - even in the field.
Children under the age of majority were not allowed to be at the table during celebrations, receiving guests, or generally in the presence of strangers. And it was not just forbidden to sit at the table, but also to be in the room where there was a feast or conversation among elders.
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Cossack in everyday life
The Cossacks loved feasts and socializing; they also loved to drink, but not to get drunk, but to sing songs, have fun, and dance. At the Cossack table, vodka was not poured, but served on a spread (tray), and if someone had already grabbed the “excess,” they simply carried him around, or even sent him to sleep it off.
For a long period, the Cossacks had a custom of both men’s conversations (walking separately from women), and women’s conversations without men. And when they got together (weddings, christenings, name days), women sat on one side of the table, and men on the other.
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A Cossack never returned after a long absence from home without gifts, and when visiting guests they did not go on a visit without a present.
Another characteristic detail of Cossack life: the Cossack perceived clothes as the second skin of the body, kept them clean and tidy and never allowed himself to wear someone else’s clothes.
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Anyone who does not respect the customs of his people, does not keep them in his heart, disgraces not only his people, but first of all does not respect himself, his family, his ancient ancestors.
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Traditional appearance of the Cossacks. By tradition, in Russia the mustache was an integral part of the military uniform. The hat played an integral role in the appearance of the Cossack. . A hat knocked off a woman's head, as well as a scarf torn off a woman, was a mortal insult, followed by bloody retribution. Earrings (for men) signified the role and place of the Cossack in the family. The Cossack simply had to be charming, cheerful, friendly and witty.
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Meeting and seeing off the Cossacks. According to custom, all Cossacks leaving for service gathered in the church for a prayer service. When going to war, they always took a handful of earth from the church or cemetery from the grave of their father or mother, or in the garden near the house. The Cossacks were met not only by their relatives and friends, but also by all the residents of the village.
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Greetings and addresses. The greeting sounded in three versions (derived from “great”): “It’s been a great day!” (afternoon, rather evening), “we had a great night!” (morning, before lunch), “you live well!” (Anytime). To greet each other, the Cossacks slightly raised their headdress and, with a handshake, inquired about the family’s health and the state of affairs. When meeting, after a long separation, and also when saying goodbye, the Cossacks hugged and touched cheeks. They greeted each other with a kiss on the Great Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, on Easter, and kissing was allowed only among men and separately among women.
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Attitude towards elders. In the presence of an elder, it was not allowed to sit, smoke, talk (enter without his permission), and especially not to express himself obscenely. It was considered indecent to overtake an old man (senior in age); it was necessary to ask permission to pass. When entering somewhere, the eldest person is allowed in first. It was considered indecent for a younger person to enter into conversations in the presence of an older person. The younger one must give way to the old man (senior). The younger one must show patience and restraint, and not argue in any case. The elder's words were binding on the younger. During general (joint) events and decision-making, the opinion of the elder was necessarily sought. In conflict situations, disputes, discord, and fights, the word of the old man (senior) was decisive and its immediate execution was required. In general, among the Cossacks and especially among the Kuban people, respect for elders was an internal need in the Kuban, even in address you can rarely hear - “grandfather”, “old”, etc., but it is affectionately pronounced “batko”, “batki”.
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Funeral ritual For a Cossack, death on the battlefield or in the family circle was considered worthy. The Cossacks buried them according to the Orthodox rite. The body of the deceased was washed: men - men, women - women. The deceased was dressed only in new clothes. Underwear was sewn by hand. The coffin was carried in their arms. It was the duty of the son and relatives to accompany the parent on his last journey. They buried him on the third day. And they always organized a wake: on the day of the funeral, on the 9th and 40th days and on the anniversary of death. When a person died in the village, they “called to their hearts.” If a child died, the bell would ring high; if an elderly person died, the bell would ring low.
Orthodox holidays among the Cossacks The holidays were held like this: Military formation (in fifty and hundreds); Removal of banners, icons, hundred flags from the temple; The chieftain with a mace and insect led the celebration; Liturgy - church service; Speed racing and overcoming an obstacle course on horses; Dzhigitovka; Demonstration of possession of weapons - saber, dagger, pike; Public feast for groups and families, mass celebrations. Cossack songs were sung in almost every house. On patronal feasts, according to ancient custom, a common dinner was held in the village hut after the prayer service. They brought everything that was most delicious to him. Christmas
- The Yuletide tradition is universal sleigh rides. Children went down the slides on ice boats - household baskets doused with water in the cold
- The Cossacks always prepared for the Christmas holidays carefully and in advance. They washed the house, whitewashed the walls, washed and starched curtains and tablecloths. A Christmas tree was an obligatory decoration in the house; its eternal greenery symbolized renewed life. For Christmastide, village residents sewed elegant dresses, made mummers’ costumes and masks.
- A wide variety of dishes were prepared for the festive table. They slaughtered wild boar, lamb, geese, and turkeys. They prepared sausages, jellied meat, pies and pies with meat and fruit filling. The Christmas table was supposed to reflect the idea of prosperity, abundance, and well-being.
- However, on the eve of the Nativity of Christ (January 6), or on Bagata Vecheryu, Lenten dishes were placed on the table. Housewives always prepared ritual food - kutya and broth. Kutya is porridge, an obligatory dish when commemorating the dead, and vzvar is a drink brewed in honor of the birth of a child. Kutya was cooked early in the morning from grains of wheat, barley or rice, simmered in the oven, honey, hemp and cow butter were added. The broth was prepared using water from dried fruits. Kutya made from wheat with honey or linseed oil was placed under icons on hay as a sign of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger. They prepared carefully for the evening: a plate with kutya was placed on a white scarf in the center. Pies, bagels, gingerbreads, and sweets were placed on top, then the ends of the scarf were tied with a cross. The celebration of the supper was carried out by children, teenagers, and young married couples on the evening before Christmas. In some villages the supper was served to grandparents, parents, including godparents. In others, not only to relatives, but to almost all residents in their region. The important point was that after tasting the brought kutia and pies, the owners added their own in return. This was done in every family, which contributed to renewal and strengthening of social ties cemented by ritual food.
- During dinner on the eve of the Nativity of Christ, a device for deceased ancestors was placed on the table. In some villages they opened the door and called them to the table. The owner, and if he was not there, the hostess invited Frost, and sometimes the brownie, to the table. The text of the invitation asked not to freeze people, animals, or plants. The holy supper always began with prayer. During the feast, it was necessary to conduct as little conversation as possible, and not leave the table unless necessary. The girl and the guy were forbidden to sit on the corners of the table, so as not to be left without a married couple. It was impossible to pick up the spoon and put it back on the table. The dishes were washed down not with water, but with broth. It was believed that until the meal was finished, one could not leave the table, as well as the house, so as not to let in evil spirits.
- After dinner, the youth went to caroling. Carols are Christmas songs and at the same time a treat that was prepared for the holidays from rye unleavened dough with various fillings or toppings. Such a treat was given to cheerful guests. Along with the Christian custom of going to glorify Christ (caroling) at Christmas, the pagan tradition of dressing up in animal skins, masks and costumes of sorcerers and witches also remains. Men and women, old and young, in order to scare away and remove evil spirits from themselves, these days themselves appeared in the guise of evil spirits. Singing and laughter could be heard from everywhere - carolers were walking, mostly girls and young women, accompanied by a “guide”. They went from house to house and, having asked the owners for permission, sang special carol songs, receiving bread, lard, sweets, and less often a small coin as a gift for their singing.
- Baptism, according to tradition, was marked by a religious procession to the river, where a “Jordan” (decoration) was made under an ice hole.
- Christmas time concludes with Epiphany (January 19). Before him, a strict one-day fast was observed, which ended either with the appearance of the evening star, or after the first blessing of water, which took place at approximately two o'clock in the morning in the church.
- They returned home with blessed water and sprinkled, baptized, marking crosses with chalk, the farmstead, the house, family members, and the entire household. In some villages, at the same time, a solid chalk line was drawn around the outside of the house, so that the hemp would grow tall, so that nothing would run away from the house, and so that the chickens would lay eggs well. At that time, hemp was a strategically important raw material, since only ship ropes were made from it, including for the British fleet.
- Before the blessing of the water in the river, if it was frosty, a cross or several crosses were cut out of ice and a throne was made. Crosses could be painted, for example, with beet red kvass. As a rule, at the moment the priest lowered the cross into the water, those present released doves, shooting took place, and those who wished swam.
- Maslenitsa is the week preceding Lent and separating winter and spring in the calendar. According to Orthodox Easter, the celebration of Maslenitsa began 56 days before Easter and fell during the cheese week. Being the oldest holiday, Maslenitsa united pagan and Christian beliefs. For a whole week, folk songs were sung, the Cossacks went to visit each other for pancakes. Demonstration races and shooting were organized. Everyone was covered in Maslenitsa fun. Everyone felt like a member of a single Cossack family. More numerous and longer entertainments were held on Easter - the brightest holiday of the spring cycle. Easter celebrations began with Palm Sunday. This day was dedicated to children. Fairs with various performances (scientific bears, buffoons, bathing performances) were organized in villages, cities, and settlements.
- The Cossacks also celebrated Trinity. Celebrating this holiday, as an Orthodox holiday, we honored the blossoming vegetation to ensure its growth and fruiting. To do this, be sure to cut the grass (mostly thyme) on Saturday before Trinity and spread it in the kuren
Holiday of the Cossacks of all troops. Celebrated as Victory Day of 5.3 thousand Cossacks over 150 thousand Turks at the end of September 1641 in the Azov fortress
Cover- On this day, races and competitions were held, and a memorial dinner was always organized with drinking and singing in memory of all the fallen Cossacks.
The temple is a shrine of the Orthodox land . The temple is the house of God on Earth. We live on the Orthodox Don land. Every village and village must have a church or chapel. Throughout his life, a person is inextricably linked with the Orthodox faith. Every Orthodox family tries to observe the Orthodox traditions and customs of their ancestors. And our ancestors are the Don Cossacks.
TEMPLE OF ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER
Stanitsa Egorlykskaya
Birth and christening of a Cossack son. When a son was born into a Cossack family, it was considered great happiness. Relatives and acquaintances came to the newborn’s house and brought an arrow, a cartridge with gunpowder, a bullet, and a bow to “test.” Grandfather gave a saber and a gun. The Cossacks attached great importance to the sacrament of Baptism. They tried to baptize the child as soon as possible in order to protect him from any misfortune and illness. The child was baptized in the temple; the godfather and mother had to be present during this ceremony. The baptism was celebrated with a ceremonial christening dinner, where the closest relatives were invited. When the baby’s first tooth erupted, his father took him to church to serve a prayer service to John the Warrior, so that his son would grow into a valiant and brave Cossack. At the gate of her native kuren, the Cossack girl was met by her mother. “Receive the Cossack! Keep an eye on him! So that he is not bad, but quick to do any work, so that he prays to God and learns the saber! So that he doesn’t bully the little ones, respect his elders, and be respectful to his parents...”
Cossack wedding ceremony. Cossacks celebrated weddings at any time of the year, except during fasting. However, most often they were played in the fall after the end of field work and before the Nativity Fast. As a rule, Sunday was chosen as the wedding day. Before going to pick up the bride, the groom was blessed by the parents with an icon. He kissed her three times and bowed at the feet of his parents. The same ritual took place in the bride’s house. When the bride was ready, she was seated under holy images in anticipation of her future husband. The groom went through various tests, paid a ransom for the bride, and the newlyweds went to church, where the wedding ceremony was performed on them. The newlyweds were taken from the church wearing crowns, and the priest rode with them. In the house, he removed the crowns from the young people and read the established prayer. After which everyone was invited to the table.
Farewell to the army. Seeing off the Cossacks for service was a whole event; great importance was attached to them. Before his son left for service, the father took the icon in his hands and blessed his son for faithful service to the Fatherland. Having received his father’s blessing, the Cossack bowed at the feet of his relatives, saying: “God willing, I will return!” All the Cossacks leaving for service gathered in church for a prayer service. They always took a handful of their native soil with them near their church or in their yard. The earth was sewn into a bag and hung from a cross on the chest. If a Cossack was destined to fall in battle, his native land was the first to fall on his chest. Meeting a Cossack from service. The Cossacks were greeted from service by the entire village. The Cossacks entered the village solemnly, one of them held the image of the Savior. The senior constable reported to the village ataman about his safe return from service, then everyone went to the temple. The Cossacks returning from service used their own money to decorate a banner made of colored material with the image of the saint and donated it to the village as a souvenir of their service and return from it. Such banners were consecrated and kept in village churches. The Cossacks thanked the Lord God for their successes and good fortune in military affairs.
Cossack Orthodox holidays.
The Cossacks celebrated Orthodox church holidays with special love.
The Don people especially loved the Christmas holidays. Holidays on the Don lasted two weeks: they began with the feast of the Nativity of Christ and ended with the Epiphany of the Lord.
Cossacks consider Easter one of the most important and brightest holidays.
Easter is the holiday of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. On Easter night, long before midnight, believers in light clothes gather in the temple and await the onset of the Easter celebration. After the Easter liturgy, the consecration of Easter cakes and paskas takes place. Returning from church, the whole family sat down to break their fast. An important event of the Easter celebrations was the remembrance of the departed.
Agricultural work of the Cossacks. The Cossacks began any work with God’s blessing. So before sowing began, they had lunch right in the field. They took holy water with them and sprinkled it on the field, asking God for a good harvest. After which, having first made a cross with the seeds, they began to sow. At the end of sowing, there was a very common custom within the Don - the clergy walking around with icons. Usually they wore an icon of the Mother of God and a cross.
