Russia is a multinational country, because it is home to a large number of different nations. Meadow Mari live in the Republic of Mari El, having their own culture, language and traditions, which are rooted in the mists of time. The history of this people is very interesting, and their customs and beautiful national costumes are amazing. After reading this article, you will learn a lot about the Meadow Mari.
The origin of the Mari
The Mari ethnos was formed in the 9th-11th centuries. Scientists and archaeologists are still arguing about the origin of the people. Some believe that the Mari are close to the people called Merya. Someone is trying to prove his similarity with representatives of the Mordovians. It is authentically known that already in the 9th-11th centuries the ethnos was divided into mountain and meadow mari. The Mari are part of a large family of Finno-Ugric peoples.
A small digression into the history of the Mari people
Currently, meadow and mountain Mari live in Mari El. What is the difference between them? Since ancient times, mountain dwellers have lived on the right bank of the Volga, and only a small part lives on the left bank of this river. Lugovye originally lived near Malaya Kokshaga, but latersettled in other areas. They currently live in the Vetluzhsko-Vyatka interfluve.
There are three groups of Mari:
- Meadow.
- Mountain.
- Oriental.
Those who live in Bashkiria call themselves Eastern. According to historical sources, they moved there because they did not want to accept the Orthodox faith. The Eastern and Meadow Mari have a common language, so they understand each other perfectly.
Mountain Mari from the 15th century obeyed the Russian Tsar. Some historians believe that they joined the Russian state voluntarily, while others suggest that they had no other choice. Lugovoi have been on the side of the Tatars for a long time. The accession of the Meadow Mari to the Russian state was very long. They resisted for a long time and tried to maintain their independence. However, the government of Ivan the Terrible managed to suppress the rebel movement, as a result of which the Meadow Mari became part of the Russian state. Despite the fact that their accession was not voluntary, and most of this people experienced terrible upheavals during the Cheremis wars (the struggle of the Meadow Mari with the Russian state was preserved under this name in historical sources), they were able to preserve their identity and traditions.
Lifestyle
Meadow Mari have been farming since ancient times. They grew rye, oats, buckwheat, turnips, and barley. Almost all families had their own gardens, where they planted vegetables and fruit trees for their families.needs. Most of the representatives of the Mari bred livestock: goats, cows, sheep, horses. At present, beekeeping is very well developed in the Republic of Mari El, and honey collected in the apiaries of the Mari region is famous throughout the country. Due to the fact that the Mari live near rivers and large reservoirs, they have always had the opportunity to fish. Hunting is also popular. Many are engaged in forestry: logging, tar smoking.
House of the Mari
In the 19th century, the Meadow Mari lived in wooden huts with a gable roof. A mandatory attribute of the house was a Russian stove. The situation in the hut was quite simple: benches were placed along the walls, there were shelves for icons and dishes on the walls. Slept on beds or bunks.
During the warm season, food was often prepared in the summer kitchen, which was a small building with an earthen floor. We althy Mari built large two-story storerooms. Food was stored below, and valuable utensils were stored on the second floor.
Faith of the Meadow Mari
Despite the fact that the Mari were forced under pressure to accept the Orthodox faith, they did not renounce their traditional customs. Since ancient times, they have been visiting the sacred groves, which are called Kusoto in the Mari language. In the groves, prayers are held and rituals are performed. The largest and most beautiful tree plays the most important role, because it is considered the main one. Meadow Mari believe in the supreme God Yumo, and also worship his assistants. It is forbidden to make noise and sing in the sacred grove. This isthe place is very important for every representative of the Mari people. During a visit to the sacred grove, men kindle fires, set up cauldrons and cook food. Gifts are brought to the main God: bread, honey, pancakes.
Customs and traditions
Since ancient times, the Mari united in communities, which included residents of several villages. It was customary to pay a ransom for the bride, and her parents, in turn, gave a dowry. The weddings were very noisy and cheerful. Everyone could come there, because the creation of a new family was considered a grandiose event. Many wedding traditions have been preserved among the people to this day. The bride and groom and guests often dress in national costumes, old Mari songs are played.
Meadow Mari developed traditional medicine. If someone was sick, then it was customary to turn to the healer, who possessed inexplicable power. Healers are still highly valued, and an appointment with them is made several months in advance. Meadow Mari believe that healers can cure any disease.
Reflection of traditions and customs on the screen
This people gained great fame after the release of the film "Heavenly Wives of the Meadow Mari". It tells about the unusual traditions and faith of the Mari. At first glance, it may seem that this is a fairy tale, because it is difficult to believe that such customs have survived in our time. But in fact, the meadow Mari were able to carry them through the centuries. And to this day they visit the sacred groves, believe inthe miraculous power of healers and sorcerers, put on their traditional outfits for the holidays. The film "Heavenly Wives of the Meadow Mari" was positively evaluated even at the Rome Film Festival.
Dresses of Mari girls
Meadow Mari costumes deserve special attention. Female representatives preferred layered outfits that were difficult to put on on their own. The most important role was played by jewelry made of coins. It is known that they used to be inherited from generation to generation.
Of course, jewelry was worn only on holidays, and on working days they preferred modest suits made of linen and hemp fabrics. Until the 19th century, women wore a headdress called "shurka". It had a birch bark frame and resembled Mordovian and Udmurt headdresses.
Conclusion
The history and culture of the Mari people is very interesting. In the Republic of Mari El, there are museums, having visited which, you can plunge into the past and see the features of the life of the mountain and meadow Mari. You can also admire incredibly beautiful costumes embroidered with coins, beads and jewelry.
