Culture, customs and traditions of the Buryat people

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:40

Buryats have lived near the legendary Lake Baikal since time immemorial. The culture of this people is a bright interweaving of the traditions of Asia and Europe, combined with their unique original embodiment. What traditions of the Buryat people are considered the most interesting, and what should a tourist who goes on vacation to Buryatia know?

Relationship to the environment

Buryats inspire the world around. Any grove, valley or reservoir, according to the representatives of this people, has its own spirit. It is impossible to neglect any tree or stone. Spitting on the ground or in the lakes is forbidden in these parts. It is also not permissible to break trees, pluck grasses or kill animals unless absolutely necessary. The traditions of the Buryat people also include the worship of special sacred places. It is forbidden to make fire in them, to commit unclean deeds and even to think badly. Even today, in many regions of Buryatia, sacrifices to spirits are common,living around people. Fire and smoke are considered sacred and are often used in various shamanic rituals and rituals.

Family Values

It is considered normal to ask an unfamiliar Buryat what kind he belongs to. This people greatly appreciates blood ties, and each of its representatives without hesitation will name all their paternal ancestors, up to the 7th-8th generation. The birth of a boy in the family is considered the greatest happiness. From an early age, children learn the traditions and customs of the Buryat people. Boys are taught how to handle horses, ride confidently and shoot from a bow, and girls are taught to help with housework and folk crafts. Children of both sexes also learn the traditions of communication with the world of spirits, are brought up with a deep sense of respect for the wisdom of their elders. Buryats are famous as hospitable people. From time immemorial, one of the most important for these people was the principle of mutual assistance and mutual assistance. Each Buryat considers it his duty to share what he has with a less we althy neighbor. In this country, everyone who knocks on the door will first be treated to tea, and only after that they will be asked what happened.

Traditions of the Buryat people: photos of national and family holidays

One of the most interesting local holidays is Surkharban, the day of honoring the spirits of the Earth. The celebration began with rites of sacrifice and prayers, after which there were mass festivities with games, competitions and general refreshments. The traditions of the Buryat people are inseparablyassociated with the most important holiday of the year - Sagaalgan (Beginning of the White month). This date is celebrated according to the lunar calendar on the first day of the first spring month. They begin to celebrate the beginning of the new year the day before, the Dugzhub rite is performed, during which “Sor” is burned. On this magical night, special prayers are read, and from the first day of the new month, another 15 days are offered in praise of the miracles of the Buddha. Buryatia also has its own Santa Claus - his name is Sagaan Ubgen (White Elder). But family holidays in this country are not always celebrated on a grand scale. The wedding and the birth of children among the Buryats are associated with rituals, receiving the blessing of spirits and protection from evil entities.

National games, dances and other arts

All holidays in Buryatia are accompanied by national dances and games. Such actions can carry a ritual meaning or be purely entertaining fun. Some games and dances were invented specifically to rally unfamiliar participants in the holiday. The traditions of the Buryat people are inextricably linked with local folklore. Often in this country even separate competitions of readers, storytellers of folk legends, storytellers and bards are held. Such impromptu festivals have always attracted huge numbers of spectators. "Sese bulyaaldaha" (verbal game of wit) is also very popular. It is appropriate for all holidays. This action involves two people asking each other provocative questions in turn, which must be answered quickly. Interesting traditionsBuryat people are associated with physical culture. This country regularly hosts real local olympiads. Moreover, no major holiday is complete without sports competitions. During such competitions, all boys and men can find out who is the most dexterous and strong among them, and then celebrate the victory of the winner together.