Batleika nativity puppet play at Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle

Batleika is a centuries-old form of Belarusian folk art - a miniature puppet theater that became widely popular across Belarusian lands from the beginning of the 16th century. It was one of the public's favorite forms of entertainment during holidays, at bustling fairs, or during performances by traveling artists. The concept of Batleika grew out of church mysteries dedicated to the miracle of Christ's birth. It was in the 16th century that these religious performances moved outside church walls in the form of Batleika - a box with movable puppets- and became a natural part of the festive and ritual calendar. Moreover, Batleika plays skillfully blended Gospel stories with distinctive local folklore. Today, the traditions of Belarusian Batleika are being preserved and developed in various parts of the country. Performances can be seen during folk festivals and in ethnographic museums and complexes.