Christmas carols, songs, dances and fortunetelling: Generous Evening in Belarus

On New Year's Eve celebrated on the night of 13 to 14 January according to the Julian calendar, Belarusians marked the Generous Evening. It completes the first part of the Twelvetide that lasts from Christmas to Epiphany. This year the Belarusians remembered beautiful symbolic traditions of their ancestors.

“Generous Eve! Good evening! – these words became the theme line of the folk rite in the village of Shvaby, Logoisk District. At first, the major character of the carolers – beautiful Shchodra – was elected to lead the festive procession. After that, the carolers made their rounds through the village singing and dancing. They were warmly welcomed by hosts who offered them traditional treats, which is believed to make the next year happy and prosperous.

Another Christmas rite, Kury, was staged on Generous Evening in Klichev District, Mogilev Oblast. The rite features only children aged from 6 to 14 and takes place before sunset. Today, it is the only children’s Christmas rite included into Belarus’ List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Winter horse sleigh riding, colorful costumes, songs and children’s smiles in our photo gallery!