Merry Christmas time
On January 14 the students of preparatory faculty for foreign students at BSTU were able to continue their acquaintance with the rich traditions of the Russian people. This time the hall at the Student s’ Art centre hosted the celebrations of Yuletide midwinter festival.
Foreign students have learned that Christmas-tide in Russia are the twelve days of Christmastide from Christmas to Epiphany and that and celebrated on January 19. These festive days are also called the Holy Days - in honor of the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ.
Performing artists from “ Peresek” folk group were invited to the celebration. Initially, the students were offered to listen to traditional Russian songs performed at Christmas time - Limericks - carols , broaching lyrical songs .
Viewers were also shown some of the Russian folk instruments such as the balalaika , hornpipe etc. . Together with the members of the folk ensemble the foreign students learned a dance, which gave the name to the group (peresek means a special step during dancing).
Well, what kind of Holy Days are without predictions? Under the soloists’ singing the Russian folk songs and sayings, a mysterious bag was uncovered, from where young people took out rings, whose owners were given a promise of wealth, success , or a wedding.
And then everyone began to dance . Both the hosts and the guests twirling around the dance floor.
The feast was rich in everything - songs and jokes , rhymes and dancing. Everyone received a charge of vivacity and good mood for the whole year .
Oksana Tymoshenko
Photo of Olesya Kluchevskaya