Spring ritual «Yuraўskі Karagod»
Spring ritual «Yuraўskі Karagod»
May 6, 2023 in the village of Pogost there will be spring ritual «Yuraўskі Karagod».
A rite with unique examples of ancient song, colorful folk costumes and ritual bread (a loaf called «karagod»).
«Yuraўskі Karagod» became the first protected intangible cultural heritage in Belarus in 2004. It was included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Property of the Republic in 2007, since 2019 it has been on the list of those in need of urgent protection (UNESCO).
The rite is performed on May 6, on the feast of St. George (in the Orthodox Christian tradition - the Day of St. George the Victorious).
The event includes ritual actions for the fertility of the earth and the well-being of people.
The main keepers are elderly women - members of the folklore and ethnographic group «Mizhrechcha».
Among ritual actions:
- Production and decoration of ceremonial bread - «karagoda»,
- Procession through the village with him, a star, an icon and a rake, on which a green apron is fastened (it is changed to red in the field),
- Driving round dances on the field,
- Bypassing courtyards with driving round dances,
- Original round dances, dances and games that last until late in the evening.
Place: Gomel region, Zhitkovichi district, Pogost village
Time: May 6, 2023