Belarus’ heritage: Bidding Farewell to Rusalki in Khoiniki District

On 3 June, the agro-town of Veliky Bor, Khoiniki District performed the rite called as Bidding Farewell to Rusalki (Mermaids). The rite was granted the status of the historical and cultural value of Belarus in 2016.

The ancient rite completes the so-called Mermaid Week or Trinity Week lasting from Trinity up to the next Sunday. Ancient tales believed that Rusalki were most dangerous during the green week because this is the time when all of them would leave the depths of lakes and come to surface to swing on branches of birch and willow trees at night. The purpose of the rite is to drive Rusalki away from human settlements.