Have you ever wondered what is the difference between the mentality of Belarusians and Russians? After all, the past united these peoples very much. For seventy years Belarus was part of the USSR and took a lot from Soviet culture. Despite this, the Belarusian people have not erased their national features from memory. To draw a portrait of a typical Belarusian, it is important to discard stereotypes about their president and potato dishes. No matter how many similarities there may be between the two fraternal peoples, the mentality of the Belarusians and the system of traditional values are noticeably different. In our article, we will try to understand these features.
The uniqueness and originality of the Belarusian people
Features of the traditions and mentality of the Belarusian people are interesting to study. In the entire history of its existence, this ethnic group has never become the culprit of unleashing a war. Residents of Belarus respect foreigners, representatives of national minorities living in their country. Many years of grief, humiliation, exploitation and oppression did not harden them. They keep in themselves the so-called middle, which helps them to survive and remain original, being between the Western and Eastern worlds. This encourages them to find their own way of development. Belarusians never put themselves above other nations. They are patient, hardy, not aggressive. This people has often been a victim of violence, and therefore denies it. Belarusians are looking for peaceful ways to solve problems. In their history, there have already been many wars that were unleashed by other countries.
Portrait of a Belarusian
Belarus can be described as a monolithic, thoroughbred nature. Representatives of this people belong to the Central European type of the Caucasoid race. That is, mixed shades of hair and eyes predominate among the population. For example, dark blond, light and dark brown hair, gray or green eyes. The whole appearance is permeated with a kind of negligence - in clothes, in thoughts, in conversation. Resident of the capital, Minsk, more aggressive, impulsive, gloomy, arrogant. The provincials are softer, kinder, sometimes slobs, "their guys".
Basic qualities of Belarusians
So, how do Belarusians live in the modern world? The peculiarity of the mentality of this people is that they do not put themselves above other nationalities. They show freedom, courage, patriotism. Their characteristic features should also include openness, ingenuity, good nature, complaisance,tolerance. They are guided not only by their own interests, but also by the interests of society as a whole.
The answer to the question "what are the features of the national mentality and national character of Belarusians" lies in the history of this country. The formation of the Belarusian ethnos was influenced by two peoples - the Slavs and the B alts. From the Slavs, they inherited hospitality, long-suffering, kindness, goodwill. From the B alts they inherited a restrained, phlegmatic, industrious disposition. In the course of historical transformations, Belarusians created an independent branch of the East Slavic ethnic group.
Secrets of the national mentality and national character of Belarusians
The socio-political, socio-economic, cultural and spiritual life influenced the formation of the identity of the Belarusian people. Initially, paganism played a large role in creating the mentality. Magic, the cult of nature and ancestors, was widely spread in this region. Then Christianity came to Belarus. These two worldviews are intertwined. Belarusians have acquired tolerance, humility, openness to the world, respect for traditions and values. Belarusians never go to extremes, because they do not consider themselves elected. They are most concerned about the well-being and well-being of their kind, family. Sometimes they awaken the national spirit. Belarusians are endowed with self-criticism, they recognize the merits of other peoples.
The formation of moral and spiritual values on the basis of Christianity was embodied in Belarusian traditions and rituals. Biblical commandments formed inthis people's ideas of humanism.
Special feelings for the small homeland
Belarusians have approved the concept of "small homeland" in their minds. They see their country as a priceless corner of the earth, to which they have special feelings expressed in songs, legends, proverbs. The Belarusian people are very attached to their native places. Representatives of this ethnic group very rarely leave their homeland. This feature has become the most important factor of Belarusian self-identification. After all, Belarus has long been influenced by the Moscow kingdom and Poland. The Belarusian people tried to protect their identity, customs, culture and traditions. Today Belarus is a link between East and West. Hence the Belarusians desire for a flexible, constructive dialogue with their neighbors, a tolerant attitude towards the world around them. Even the anthem of Belarus begins with the words that they are peaceful people.
Compromise and inventiveness
The country is located in the center of Europe. Often in the Middle Ages, neighbors waged wars among themselves. Belarus was a transit point for them. The Belarusians themselves did not participate in military conflicts, but tried to negotiate. The willingness to compromise helped them achieve peace with small sacrifices. Through the centuries, it has become a national feature of this people.
Belarusians try to find something useful in everything. They were the first to learn how to make jelly from potatoes. They invented Viber.
Welcome and tolerance
A characteristic feature of the Belarusian mentality is kindness. This is immediately noted by foreigners. The inhabitants of thisthe region is always happy to welcome guests, even when there is nothing to put on the table. Requests are always answered kindly.
Belarusians do not pay much attention to the color of the skin of foreigners, the country they come from. There are many churches, churches, synagogues. On the street in the same company with local residents, there may be African Americans or Asians.
Industriousness and patriotism
Belarusians are considered the most hardworking people of the CIS. This is true, since their youth they are taught to be responsible and accurate in their work. Few Belarusians are prone to laziness. They always strive to achieve more.
Despite the fact that life in Belarus is not easy, people love and appreciate their country. 80% of the adult population is proud of their homeland and national identity.
Accuracy and religiosity
Belarusian streets are always as clean as in Europe. Accuracy is another feature of the Belarusian mentality. You can look even into the smallest town, and it will surprise you with its neatness. The infrastructure in them is ordinary, and the cleanliness is noticeable. Beautiful plants are planted in the yards, and housekeeping duties are set up with cleaning in the entrances. Even the janitors usually do their job diligently.
Belarusians are a religious nation, different confessions coexist here. Here, those who prefer a different religion are treated calmly. Fanaticism is not characteristic of this people. No one cares about other people's religious views.
Loy alty to traditionand addiction to alcohol
Belarusian people have their own high moral values and good traditions. Among the national holidays, it is worth highlighting Kolyada, Radonitsa, Kupala, Dozhinki. Belarusians were able to carry these unique holidays through the centuries to our days. What about language? Here, Russian influence has greatly affected: in large cities, only Russian is used for communication. But the inhabitants of the outback speak exclusively Belarusian or use its dialects.
It is impossible not to mention the moment that Belarus is recognized as the most drinking country in the world. Scientists have calculated that there are 27 liters of alcohol per person here.
Somewhere between dignity and nobility, the Belarusians hid "gentry". An educated Belarusian is called a gentry. It is such a person who will not be ashamed in the palace of the Queen of England. Such personalities will never lose face.
All neighbors love the Belarusian people for honesty and gentleness in character. These are conflict-free people.
Some interesting facts about Belarusians
Do you know that the national symbol of the Belarusian people is the potato? In Belarus, a good harvest of potatoes is always harvested. The hostesses here love to cook various dishes from it. It is an essential ingredient of the national cuisine. Residents of Minsk are very fond of potatoes in pots, and potato pies are fried in Mogilev.
Every year, Belarusian breeders bring out new varieties for every taste, color and even size. On average, a resident of a country eatsabout 170 kg of potatoes. This indicator brought Belarus to the first place in the world. Plantings of this popular crop occupy 40,000 hectares in the country.
Compared to other nationalities, Belarusians travel little. To travel to European countries, they need a Schengen visa. Most of all they receive visas to Poland.
It is important to note that Belarus is considered one of the most educated countries in the world. She is in 8th place in this indicator. 99.7% of literate people among the adult population live here. Belarusians read a lot. It is here that almost the largest number of books per million people are issued. A huge library has been built in Minsk, for the construction of which huge funds from the budget were spent. The construction of this library even had to levy an additional tax on citizens.
It is also worth noting that Belarusians are very conservative: the largest number of Soviet names in the entire CIS has been preserved here. Even the KGB, the traffic police and the police have not been renamed here. Belarusians are also actively fighting corruption and blat.
An interesting fact is that rainy weather "spoils" Belarusians much more often than residents of London. Harvesting on time in the summer can be very difficult. At the end of summer, Belarusians are simply fighting for its safety. After all, after this, the most famous national holiday - Dozhinki - is necessarily celebrated. In Belarus, the number of urban residents is increasing every year. The country is becoming more and more urban. Even in Europe there are not so many rapidly growing cities. For the lastFor 100 years, the population of the capital of the state, Minsk, has increased 20 times. Today, this city ranks tenth among all European cities in terms of the number of inhabitants.
