Ritual of «Christmas carols kings»

Ritual of «Christmas carols kings»

From 13th till 14th of January in the village Semezhevo of Kopyl district will be held a ritual of «Christmas carols kings» .

This is a unique ceremony that combined carnival and folk drama. The participants of the ceremony, lined up according to height, as required by tradition, go through the village street and loudly beat the drums, that the residents can prepare for their visit. The rite was born at the end of the XVIII century, when the Russian army units were staying at these places. The soldiers went from house to house and arranged presentations that local people treated them with something. Semezhevtsy adopted tradition by adding a Belarusian flavor and passed it from generation to generation. People dressed in homemade costumes resembling uniforms of different years, as well as all this looks very snobbish, participants were called «Christmas carols kings».

Today the revival ceremony is attended by young men and boys, dressed in special costumes: white pants and shirt, on the breast - the red belts with geometric ornament are crosswise tied, on the head - tall hats with colored paper ribbons. The process of «kings» on the generous evening visits homes of peasants and play a drama «King Maximilian». In Christmas campaigns a local heroes - «Grandfather» and «woman» - are involved. Following the presentation is a traditional greeting hosts and participants bestowing ceremony. As darkness fell, «kings» light the torches, which gives an unusual spectacle.

Ceremony is held annually on the generous evening (from 13th till 14th of January). It is a type of BelarusiansChristmas carols rituals, has a strong local feature and is found only in the village Semezhevo. In 2009, UNESCO included the rite in the World Heritage List, as in need of urgent safeguarding. Also ritual of «Christmas carols kings» is immaterial historical and cultural value and is included in the list of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Belarus.