Belarusian culture. Traditions, customs, rituals and holidays

Its events and facts, and its development are directly related to the formation of the Belarusian people. Historical figures and Belarusian figures who have made their invaluable contribution to the achievements of the history and culture of the Belarusian state are known far beyond the borders of the republic. Famous Belarus and its attractions: many cities and villages to this day keep countless beautifully preserved, complete unsolved mysteries Belarusian history!

Belarusian traditions, customs, rituals and holidays.

Cultural and historical heritage of Belarus closely related to Christian motives, but at the same time, pagan rituals preserved by the people remain relevant. That is why it has come down to this day great amount Belarusian cultural traditions, as well as ancient pagan rituals, such as Kupala, Kolyada, Dozhinki, Maslenitsa and others. Let us note that to this day people are sensitive to these events, follow the calendar, and many still honor the knowledge of their ancestors and their holidays.

The achievement of our culture is the preservation of cultural and folklore, which perfectly conveys the character of the Belarusian people, its zest. Here we can include songs, games, dances and fairy tales, legends and riddles, proverbs and sayings of our ancestors. They are reverently protected by the population and passed on from generation to generation, preserved in books and films, and honored at holidays.

Belarusian embroidered shirt – cultural heritage Belarus.

Vyshyvanka- this is Belarusian national clothing, which is gaining popularity again in our time. Now embroidered shirt has reached the international level and has become known to the public.

Our ancestors did not wear beautiful embroidered clothes every day, they were reserved for special occasions. Clothes in patterns were kept for weddings and other festive events, was a “day off”. The red pattern had a special meaning for our ancestors; it was a talisman that was applied along the edges of clothes in the form of patterns. These patterns protected a person from everything bad.

Embroidering a pattern on an outfit is painstaking work; the work could take many months, but the result brought a lot of happiness and benefit. Each craftswoman tried to make her outfits the most beautiful. At the same time, embroidering on fabric was a common household activity for every woman; embroidery was applied to clothes and towels, but these products were not put up for sale.

National Belarusian ornament– this is not just an outfit decoration, but a whole story. Each symbol embroidered on such clothes had meaning and sacred meaning. All patterns can be “unraveled”; they are connected with the earth and are a special code for the Belarusian people.

Certainly, modern embroidered shirts Most often they are clothes with prints. The main thing is the meaning of the pattern itself applied to the clothes.

Belarus is a country with beautiful nature, glorious history and culture. It is known throughout the world as a land of churches, ancient castles, temples and ancient estates. Belarus is located in the very center of Europe, at the crossroads of the route from the Black Sea to the Baltic. It connects East and West. In this country you can see real wildlife. These are ancient forests, amazing landscapes, rare species plants and animals. National parks and nature reserves are the wealth of Belarus: the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Surprisingly tender, like an artist’s watercolors, landscapes, sonorous pine forests, filled with birdsong, crystal clean rivers and lakes, Belarus reveals to its guests the last of the wonders of the world - the wonder of untouched nature.

Belarus is filled with the spirit of centuries-old culture, which has left this land with beautiful architectural monuments. Belarus preserves its original original culture, the origins of which are in the distant pagan era, in those times when Belarus had not yet adopted Christianity. When the Slavs came to these lands, inhabited by the Baltic and Finno-Ugric peoples, they carefully preserved what was created by these tribes. The Slavs respected the spiritual heritage of the local population and introduced their culture into it. The East Slavic tribes that settled this territory were pagans. This type of religious consciousness existed for quite a long time and left a deep mark on the culture of the Belarusian people. Currently, scientists are confident that the pagan Slavs had their own written language.

The modern cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and diverse. There are many events taking place in the country art exhibitions, music, theater and film festivals. Every year in January they take place International festival classical music"January musical evenings" (Brest) and the National Convention of Belarusian Composers (Minsk) and. At the end of April, the International Festival of Linguistics "Expolingua" is held in Minsk. In June, everyone's attention is attracted National Festival“Belarus is my song” and a poetry festival on Lake Svityaz. There are many cultural events taking place in July. July 3 is Independence Day, July 4 is Minsk City Day, which is accompanied by folklore holiday"Belarusian padworks". Celebrated in mid-July ancient holiday Ivan Kupala. In the same month, the International Arts Festival “Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk” and the Belarusian rock festival “Basovishche” are held.

On the culture of Belarus strong influence had a great Patriotic War. Brest is a legendary city to which its defenders brought glory Brest Fortress. In 1965, the Brest Fortress was awarded the title “Hero Fortress” with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal. A lot of cultural events is held in places sacred to every Belarusian, for example, in Khatyn. This small village was burned along with all its inhabitants. 149 people died in the fire. Now there is a memorial on the territory of the village. There is also a “Village Cemetery” created in memory of the 185 Belarusian villages that were destroyed by the Nazis and a “Wall of Memory” with a memorial plaque and the Eternal Flame. This is a reminder of the Nazis concentration camps on the territory of Belarus.

Belarusians have been accumulating their spiritual wealth for centuries, which is why it is so diverse and attracts others. has very ancient roots, and traditions and customs, although in an expanded and slightly modified version, have survived to our time.

Spiritual culture of Belarus

The formation of society over the centuries has brought good results. To date culture of Belarus so colorful, rich and comprehensively developed that it is a world heritage. Belarus is also popular for its realities, which over time turned into symbols of the country’s identity. The most popular are Slutsk belts, carvings, multi-colored tiles, openwork vytynanka and much more.

Religion of Belarus

Concerning religious beliefs, then three directions are distinguished. Main and leading religion of Belarus- this is Christianity. According to 2012 data, 77% of the population professes Orthodoxy, only 10% are Catholics and 1.5% professes other religions, including Islam, Judaism, Baha'iism and Hinduism.

Economy of Belarus

In terms of GDP, Belarus ranks 64th in the world ranking. Economy of Belarus develops mainly through exports. However, economic growth is also associated with the service sector, agriculture and tourism. Today the currency is the Belarusian ruble.

Science of Belarus

The country is developing in different directions, and science is no exception. Today, at the center of the scientific center of Belarus, research is being conducted on issues of politics, ideology, and management. Science of Belarus and achievements in this area are reflected in the journal “Problems of Management”.

Art of Belarus

Customs and traditions of Belarus

Existing traditions and customs, which were established in ancient times, are quite diverse and are closely related to all Slavic countries. Customs and traditions Belarus are carefully observed. The main holidays are Easter, carols, gromnitsa, Maslenitsa and others.

Sports of Belarus

Body culture in Belarus is given special attention. Sports achievements are an excellent confirmation of this. World-class facilities have been built in the country. Sports of Belarus includes absolutely all existing species.

Talking about the history and development of culture of Belarus is the same as trying to tell a long and fascinating story. In fact, this state appeared quite a long time ago; the first mentions of it appear back in 862, when the city of Polotsk, considered the oldest, existed locality. The culture of Belarus has developed over many centuries and is intertwined with the most different events that time. Perhaps that is why it is so bright and varied.

Emergence of culture

If we talk about how the culture of the Republic of Belarus appeared, and what particularly influenced it, it will be difficult not to mention such trends as the Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment. The Renaissance period for Belarus was marked by such a prominent representative of this time as Francysk Skaryna. He was not only a famous printer and humanist, but also tried to convey the values ​​of spirituality to society as much as possible, and also tried to reveal such concepts as “society” and “man” in as much detail as possible. It was he who created the first printing house in Belarus.

The culture of Belarus in the 18th century is remembered for the period of Enlightenment, when the elite of European countries prepared for the onset of the “kingdom of reason.” During this period, Belarusian literature was actively developing, despite the fact that terrible, ruinous wars were in full swing. According to historians, the most productive period for the development of Belarusian culture occurred in the 17th century, when the population’s level of individual self-awareness increased to the maximum.

Over the entire history of its existence, the current lands of Belarus have been part of a variety of principalities and possessions. Today, this country is a separate and at the same time completely self-sufficient state. But once upon a time, like many other countries, Belarus was considered part of the BSSR and the USSR. During this period, the development of culture in Belarus was especially vibrant and unusual. According to experts, the culture of this state manifested itself most clearly during the February Revolution in 1917. Experts also note that this period of time can be safely called the period of Belarusization.

Even during the German occupation, active figures in this country were able not only to restore the Belarusian Publishing House, but also to begin publishing the newspaper Gomon. At the same time, activists achieved the opening of 200 Belarusian schools, which once again confirms the people’s desire for development and self-improvement. However, historians believe that during this period statehood sought to consolidate the people with the help of the creation of a wide variety of parties and the promotion of the most active figures. Such bright representatives of Soviet modernity as M. Goloded and A. Chervyakov were especially able to show themselves.

Modern culture

During the Soviet period, the culture of Belarus was able to achieve a lot. For example, linguistic values, identity, as well as the Belarusian ethnicity have increased. But all this quickly fell under the pressure of Stalin’s policies. The views of the Bolsheviks almost completely abandoned the process of nationalization, which had just begun its successful restoration in these territories. This period of time is remembered by Belarus as a time in which there was one ruling and indivisible people. Therefore, it is quite difficult to talk about the development of culture in this country.

However, by 1991 the situation had completely changed, the change in power and order took its toll, and Belarus again began to restore its traditions and nationality. Was accepted Government program on the development of the Belarusian language, and the Belarusian Cultural Foundation was revived. The restoration process has had a serious impact on all areas, but it is especially noticeable in literary works that time. Today Belarus differs from other countries not only in its originality, but also in the diversity of styles, forms and trends in its culture.

National costumes

It is not surprising that historians, studying the peculiarities of the culture of Belarus, especially note the uniqueness. Indeed, almost all the ideological ideas of this people are collected in a seemingly simple attire. But in fact, there is something more than just clothes hidden in colorful embroidered shirts and spacious outfits. Belarus, as already noted, is intertwined with other countries. Thus, bright embroideries on simple shirts and flared skirts of the fair sex, which were customary to wear in ancient times, are often found among other nations. At the same time, Belarusians have always treated with trepidation what is depicted on the fabric. Each ornament protected or helped in in a certain sense the owner of the clothes. Therefore, women have always tried to decorate not only their outfits as much as possible, but also to create some kind of amulet on male clothing. You can often find National Costume Belarus, where bright headdresses are present.

Music

It is not at all surprising that today almost all Days of Culture in Belarus are celebrated in a bright and popular way. National music sounds in the cities, and on the streets you can see a wide variety of Belarusian costumes. If we talk about what kind of music the representatives of this people like, then we can definitely highlight ritual songs.

The development of music in this country dates back to ancient times. The main instruments that can rightfully be called national are the Belarusian dulcimer and the pipe.

In ancient times, the peoples of this state most often sang ritual songs: carols, wedding motifs, harvest songs or Maslenitsa couplets. The amazing melodies of unusual Belarusian instruments can make you fall in love with the first sound, and catchy motives and simplicity of performance make you fall in love with the music of this country forever. However, the lyrics are also distinguished by their ambiguity. Sometimes in the simplest verses lies deep meaning, which conveys certain information that is invisible to outsiders. Every year, a huge number of song festivals open in this country, where you can not only watch a colorful show, but also listen to national music!

Theater

Those who have at least once visited the Belarusian theater will forever remember this event, because this direction of art in the state is especially different from what can be seen in other countries. The culture of Belarus has always stood out for its brightness and unusualness, but theater is something special and unique that can be found exclusively among this people. As is known, professional theater the country dates back to ancient times folk rituals. Perhaps that is why it is unlike any other theater in the world.

In ancient times, wandering musicians, court troupes, and, of course, amateur groups. It is no secret that Belarusians are a creative people who always strive for self-development. Today there are about 28 operating in the country state theaters who work with the most in different directions. In addition to dramatic and musical in Belarus you can also find puppet show, which is distinguished by its brightness and unusual productions. But the most famous in this country is considered Grand Theatre opera and ballet of Belarus, this is where you need to visit at least once in your life!

Literature and art

Science and culture of Belarus have always differed from similar areas in other countries. Literature can even be called a separate direction, because worldwide famous authors described events extremely colorfully in their works. In general, Belarus has a huge number of famous names that still arouse interest among modern reader. For example, the names Kotlyarov, Ragutsky, Anoshkin and many others won the hearts of true lovers of bright works. Also in Belarus there are a huge number of scientific figures who have contributed to the development of world science.

These people are also not deprived of artistic talents. The Belarusian state has many artists who have become famous throughout the world thanks to their works. Most often they depicted national landscapes and beauty native land, but often among famous artists You can also meet the most talented portrait painters.

Cuisine and national dishes of the country

The cultural history of Belarus simply could not do without. Those who have at least once tasted the delicious beetroot soup will never forget its taste. Many people believe that the main dish of Belarusian cuisine is potato pancakes, but this is not true at all. Of course, in ancient times, the cuisine of the people was distinguished by its simplicity and accessibility, and for cooking they used mainly potatoes, which could be easily grown. But today historians have found out that, first of all, the people of Belarus preferred to eat first courses. On the other hand, it is not surprising that meat delicacies often appeared on the tables of ancient Belarusians. For example, veraščaka, various sausages and meat cooked according to special recipes with the addition of herbs and spices. But Belarusian drinks and sweets are most famous. For example, sbiten, kulaga, beer stew and krambambuli. There is even a recipe for special Belarusian sourdough bread, which is distinguished not only by its high taste, but also by its beneficial properties.

National characteristics

Among national characteristics The people of Belarus can definitely highlight the desire to preserve statehood and develop. At all times, the people of this country have strived to preserve the most important thing - their uniqueness and originality.

Despite the fact that wars and revolutions often took place on the territory of this country, people managed to preserve not only greatest monuments culture of Belarus, but also in general to preserve the history of its people. Historians note that a national idea cannot simply be invented, and in order to express it, peoples have to not only develop their culture for centuries, but also do everything possible to preserve their roots. Belarus is shining example a state that managed, despite many difficulties, to preserve the most important thing.

The future of Belarusian culture

As you know, Belarusians are very hospitable and good-natured people. In character they are very similar to their Slavic brothers. It is no secret that today almost all states strive not only to preserve their culture, but also actively help it recover. The culture of Belarus has been preserved for centuries, and today the most important thing for the country is to continue to actively protect and love its history.

However, the forecasts for the culture of Belarus are the brightest, because to this day new artists, writers and scientists are creating on the territory of the state, who instantly win audiences with their works. Theatres, museums and galleries are still full of people, which means that the people themselves strive for development and honor the history of their region.

“MINISTRY OF SPORTS AND TOURISM OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS. BELARUS UNIVERSITY OF PHYSICAL CULTURE»

Performed: 1st year student, group 112

Faculty of Science and Technology

Efimova Anastasia

Minsk 2012

Traditions of Belarusian culture

The traditions and rituals of Belarus have much in common with those of its Slavic neighbors. Belarusians (Belarusians) belong to the Eastern European type of the Central European race, their ancestors were the East Slavic tribes of Dregovichi, Krivichi, Radimichi, partly Drevlyans, Northerners and Volynians. The ancestors of Belarusians absorbed many traits ancient population of this region - the Letto-Lithuanian tribes of the Yatvingians, as well as some features of Polish, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Russian and Jewish culture, while preserving, despite the numerous devastating wars that more than once swept across this land, its main national traits. The Belarusian ethnos itself is heterogeneous and includes several subethnic groups - “Poleschuks” live in Polesie, “Pinchuks” live in the Pinsk swamps, along the upper reaches of the Dnieper one can observe the Upper Dnieper anthropological type, and in the south of the country Ukrainian influence is noticeable. Even in the language, two dialects can be distinguished - southwestern and northeastern. Also, many representatives of Jewish, Tatar, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian and other cultures lived and live here, each of which has complete freedom of expression.

The country's culture represents perhaps the best preserved set of ancient pagan customs and traditions among the East European Slavs. Even despite the centuries-old dominance of Christianity, both Orthodox and Catholic, echoes of many ancient rituals have been preserved in Belarus, starting with Maslenitsa and Kupala, “Gromnitsa” and “Gukanne of Spring” (the turning point of the year from winter to summer), “Magpie” and “Grandfathers”, “Kolyad” and “Dozhinok” (the holiday of the end of the harvest), “talaki” and “syabryna” (the custom of community mutual assistance), and ending with many rituals associated with a wedding, birth or death. Like its neighbors, there were many rituals associated with agriculture, logging and baths, and all nature was revered as a single living being. All these rituals were intertwined with later Christian rituals, forming a unique and colorful Belarusian culture. The song and oral folklore is extremely rich and varied.

The core of local society has always been the family, usually a small one. The man occupied and occupies here the most important place- this is both “father” for children and “uncle” for younger family members, the main breadwinner and protector of the home. A woman is an equal mistress and manager of household work, a mother and keeper of the hearth. This two-part part of the family was reflected in everyday life - wooden and metal household items were considered “male”, woven and wicker - “female”. Moreover, preference was always and everywhere given to objects made from natural materials. National clothing, shoes, musical instruments and even the type of housing are close to examples of other Slavic cultures, but the Belarusian style is visible in everything, and it is impossible to confuse local clothing and jewelry, for example, with examples of Ukrainian or Lithuanian dress - local craftsmen are so original.

The quiet and majestic nature of the country left its mark on the appearance of the people. Belarusians, for the most part, are very friendly and good-natured; centuries-old communalism has left its mark on the nature of relationships between people. Here you rarely see noisy scenes in public, mutual assistance between people is high and dominates respectful attitude to elders and to the interlocutor. Even business etiquette has included traditions of trust - they rarely hang around in the markets, scrupulously observe agreements and carefully protect their reputation (and not only in business). Many matters, and not only communal ones, are decided at the council; even holidays are most often celebrated either by the whole family or by the entire locality.

There are no strict standards regarding clothing - Belarusians are happy to wear both ordinary everyday clothes of European style and national outfits. In business etiquette, European-style suits are accepted. The business visit must be pre-agreed and confirmed immediately before the meeting. The working day in most institutions lasts from 09.00 to 18.00.

Russian, English and German languages. In everyday life, the Belarusian language is widely used, which was reintroduced as the state language in 1990. However, Russian is also widespread, which has led to the formation of a peculiar international slang known as “trasyanka”. In any place you can hear the beginning of a conversation in Belarusian, and the continuation in Russian, or vice versa. The Cyrillic alphabet is used as the written basis, but sometimes the Latin alphabet is also used. Some Belarusian toponyms in pronunciation local residents sometimes they sound quite unusual, for example Khrodna (Grodno), Mahileu (Mogilev), Vitsebsk (Vitebsk) and so on, so when communicating such points should be kept in mind.

Culture

All Belarus

The Belarusian people stand out for their original, distinctive culture, the roots of which go back to the distant pagan, pre-Christian era.

The ancient culture of Belarus benefited a lot from the fact that when the process of settling it with Slavic peoples took place, they did not destroy everything that was created here by the aborigines, whom historians consider the Balts and Finno-Ugric peoples.

At first, our distant ancestors, like all East Slavic tribes, were pagans. This form of religious consciousness existed for a very long time and left a deep mark on the culture. Now there is no longer any doubt that in the era of paganism we had writing, the appearance of which was previously mistakenly associated only with the adoption of Christianity.

Writing first spread among the wealthy, privileged sections of the population. Very early, along with dogmatic literature, secular literature also appeared. Christian monasteries served as places for writing and copying books. Euphrosyne of Polotsk gave many years of her life to this holy cause. In addition to her, Kirill Turovsky, nicknamed Chrysostom for his oratory skills, worked fruitfully in the field of literary, cultural and educational activities.

Favorable conditions for the development of culture arose with the formation in the 13th century. Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In it, the Old Belarusian language became the state language. This was legally enshrined in 1566, when the Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was adopted in its second edition.

The proximity of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the countries of Central and Western Europe, the level of spiritual development of its population, quite high for that time, favored the fact that the progressive ideas of the Renaissance (Renaissance) and Reformation came to this region. At this time, the Belarusian people gave a lot to world civilization prominent figures science and culture, among which the primacy belongs to the Belarusian and East Slavic pioneer printer, educator and thinker Francis Skorina. Being in 1517-1519. in Prague, he translated and published 23 books of the Bible, in the text of which words and phrases of the Old Belarusian language were widely used. Until that time, the Bible had only been published in German (1445) and Czech (1448). Europe of that time knew well the colleagues and followers of F. Skaryna - Nikolai Gusovsky, the author of the Latin-language poem "Song of the Bison" (1523, Krakow), Symon Budny, who wrote many works written not only in Old Belarusian, but in Polish and Latin.

Having allowed the free settlement of Tatars and Jews on the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, its authorities did not interfere with their cultural development, incl. construction of various kinds of architectural objects for religious and secular purposes. The mosque built in the Smorgon region in the village of Davbuchiski (first mentioned in the Lithuanian metric in 1558) is one of the most ancient in Europe.

In the conditions of destructive wars, the Belarusian people managed to create dozens of first-class architectural structures that organically combined their own and borrowed styles. Baroque became the dominant artistic style in the architecture of Belarus. Such remarkable architectural objects were built in this style as the palaces of the Sapiehas in Ruzhany, the Khreptoviches - in Shchorsy, the Radivilovs - in Nesvizh, the St. Nicholas Church and the Carmelite Church - in Mogilev, the far churches - in Nesvizh and Grodno, the Cathedral of Peter and Paul - in Vitebsk . Those invited for this purpose in late XVI V. Radivil Sirotkom is a famous Italian architect Gevanni Bernardoni.

Conditions for the preservation and development of Belarusian culture did not improve when the territory of Belarus, as a result of three divisions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1772, 1793, 1795), came under the rule of the Russian Empire. From that time on, Polonization was first very cautiously, and later openly added to, Russification. However, even in such conditions, the Belarusian land gave birth to such outstanding people as Adam Mitskevich, Stanislav Manyushka, Michal Kleofas Aginsky, Ignatius Dameyko, Mikhail Glinka, Joseph Gashkevich, Ivan Chersky.

After the uprising of 1863-1864. in Poland, Belarus and Lithuania all printing on Belarusian language(1867). However, many scientists and writers, including Vincent Dunin-Martsinkevich and Francishak Bogushevich, made a significant contribution to the development of Belarusian folk culture.

The revival of the national traditions of Belarusian culture was greatly facilitated by the intensification of the Belarusian national movement at the beginning of the twentieth century. The talent of the future classics of modern Belarusian literature - Y. Kupala, Y. Kolas, M. Bogdanovich - blossomed. The popularization and propaganda of Belarusian culture was facilitated by the publication of the newspaper “Nasha Niva”.

Favorable conditions for the development of national Belarusian culture arose in the 1920s, when the republic pursued a policy of Belarusization. Belarusian-language schools and the Institute of Belarusian Culture began to operate. On its basis, the Academy of Sciences of Belarus was created in 1929. However, from the beginning of the 1930s, this progressive process was interrupted, because cultural life Strict ideological control prevailed, and many figures of Belarusian culture and science were repressed.

The war of Nazi Germany against the USSR of 1941-1945 inflicted huge and largely irreparable losses on Belarusian culture. A significant part of Belarusian writers and other cultural and scientific workers died at the fronts, in partisan detachments, and underground.

In the post-war period until the mid-1980s, Belarusian culture developed within the framework of ideological precepts and strict party control. However, during this period many talented writers appeared, such as A. Adamovich, V. Bykov, R. Borodulin, G. Buravkin, A. Vertinsky, V. Zuenok, I. Naumenko, B. Sachenko, I. Chigrinov, I. .Shamyakin. Original masters worked in the fine arts: artist M. Savitsky, sculptors Z. Azgur, S. Selikhanov. The network of cultural and educational institutions increased, and amateur artistic activities developed.

The policy of glasnost contributed to the liberation of Belarusian culture from ideological dictates and the revival of the spiritual traditions of the Belarusian people. The situation with the Belarusian language began to change for the better, including thanks to the law on languages ​​​​adopted in 1990 in the Belarusian SSR. The number of Belarusian-language theater groups has increased.

Main directions of state policy in the field of culture and public life

Our republic is not characterized by aggressive nationalism, but by state support for historically established bilingualism, the revival of spirituality and the preservation of traditional religious confessions, art in all forms.

The state pursues a consistent policy to preserve the cultural heritage of Belarusians, the best features of the Belarusian character: respect for people of other nationalities and faiths, tolerance, humanism, peacefulness.

The state and the state budget are consistent guarantors of financial support for the development of art and culture. The principle of continuity in cultural policy is expressed in the preservation of the infrastructure of state cultural and art institutions.

The basis of the state policy is fidelity historical memory people - Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Loyalty to memory was reflected in the decision of the country's leadership to introduce the course “The Great Patriotic War of the Soviet People” in educational institutions.

The country is pursuing a consistent course towards the formation of the ideology of the Belarusian state and the crystallization of the Belarusian national idea. The national idea is most succinctly and succinctly embodied in the slogan of the President of the Republic of Belarus: “For a strong and prosperous Belarus!”

The historical path of formation and development of Belarusian culture

The historical path of formation and development of Belarusian culture is complex and contradictory. Along this path there were periods of real takeoff, but there were also times when its very existence was in serious question. Fortunately, in the most tragic times for Belarusian culture, it always had reliable defenders, and the process of spiritual decay stopped, its revival and ascent to new heights began, which is what we are seeing now.

Belarus has always been characterized by an intensive process of interaction between cultures. And therefore, the formation and development of Belarusian culture cannot be understood without taking into account the impact on it of the progressive trends of Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and Lithuanian cultures. Many Belarusian thinkers equally belong to the cultures of neighboring, fraternal peoples. These are S. Budny, M. Smotritsky, K. Lyshchinsky, S. Polotsky, G. Kanissky and others.

Unfortunately, for a long period, the cultural ties of the Belarusian people with the advanced countries of Western and Central Europe (Italy, France, the Czech Republic, etc.) have been underestimated. They were most significant during the Renaissance and became quite evident during the Enlightenment. This explains the fact that in Belarusian culture, starting from the 10th century, two directions - Western and Eastern - constantly competed.

In the 10th century, the Slavs adopted Christianity and with it adopted many characteristic features of the economic and spiritual life of the Byzantine and Roman empires. Wherein, Western Slavs they take Latin culture as a model, while the eastern ones are guided by the Byzantine canons. Belarus finds itself between them, which significantly affects its culture. “The problem of choosing between the West and the East and the sincere rejection of either one or the other are the main features of the history of the Belarusian people. The example of F. Skaryna, about whom it is still unknown who he was - either a Catholic or an Orthodox Christian, or perhaps both at the same time, captures this phenomenon of the Belarusian spirit and individuality in the soul of our first intellectual. The Belarusian intelligentsia has retained this trait to this day, for which there are well-known reasons.”1

The boundaries of two cultural types in different times changed their outlines: Western European features were assimilated into East Slavic culture, and vice versa. As a result, the culture of the Belarusian lands was formed in the context of the interaction of diverse objective and subjective factors that had an ambiguous impact on the culture of the people living on the Belarusian lands. However, despite all the difficulties, history shows that, in general, there was a process of progressive development in all spheres of human creative activity.

Over the long period of its existence, Belarus has gone through a historical path from overwhelming illiteracy to the creation of world-class literary and artistic works and scientific discoveries, from folk crafts and everyday culture to majestic temples, palaces, and modern architectural ensembles. And at the beginning of the 3rd millennium, Belarus represents a formed, holistic, unique socio-cultural space, the boundaries of which became more defined in the 20th century.

Belarusian art and literature

A distinctive feature of Belarusian professional art and literature is their close connection with folk culture. Any culture originates in folk art and folklore. It is in folklore that there is a source of further flourishing of various types of art - music, dance, literature, etc. It preserves deep layers of national history and culture. Belarusian folklore is one of the richest in the world (songs, magic spells, epics, fairy tales, legends, stories, etc.). Many customs and rituals are characterized by a fusion of pagan and Christian elements (Kupalle, Velikoden, etc.). Samples of traditional culture have been preserved in Belarus to this day in the rural environment, where they “live” almost unchanged. Despite many unfavorable factors on the path of the Belarusian ethnos, it was able to preserve its language and the specifics of its culture, largely thanks to folklore traditions. Its defining function folk culture It has not been lost in the modern national-cultural process, which includes, along with professional art, amateur creativity.

Belarusian folklore is highly appreciated in the world - Holland, France, Egypt, the Czech Republic, Poland and other countries where many folklore groups have visited. In addition, Belarus is a member of the international Council of Folklore Festival Organizations, under the auspices of which more than 50 festivals are held annually .

Belarusian authentic folklore in the context of European ethnocultural processes has a special historical and cultural significance, since to this day it retains the systemic integrity and spontaneity of the manifestation of oral culture. Therefore, preserving the traditions of folk culture and creating conditions for its self-development is an integral part of state policy in the field of culture. For its implementation in Belarus there is both a scientific base and practical experience.

An equally significant and interesting direction in the development of folk culture is decorative and applied art. It embodies the immense, eternal alive soul people, their rich life experience and aesthetic taste. The beautiful products of folk craftsmen, made according to the laws, do not leave anyone indifferent, and contact with them evokes a feeling of pride in their people, who gave the world wonderful craftsmen who create real works of art from a variety of materials - wood, clay, wicker, straw, flax, etc.

A curious phenomenon of Belarusian culture is products made from straw. There is nothing like this anywhere in Europe, which, in particular, was noted by the participants of the 6th European Conference on Folk Art, which brought success to Belarusian masters, held in 1977. The conference was organized by the International Organization for Folk Arts, which includes Belarus, under the auspices of UNESCO.

Products made from straw are a traditional Slavic art, the roots of which come from the ancient, pagan cult of bread. Products made from straws were intended for preserving baked goods. In the everyday life of the Slavs, baskets and baskets are most common. baskets different types from straw, wicker, birch bark.

The so-called straw spider is a symbol of prosperity and wealth - a carol decoration not only for Belarusians, but also for other peoples of Europe. In addition to weaving, straw was used in the appliqué technique, which was used to decorate wooden chests, boxes, frames, and wall hangings.

One of the most widespread types of Belarusian folk art is weaving. Many long-standing folk rituals and traditions are associated with it; it is often mentioned in Belarusian poetic works and folk songs (for example, Slutsk belts.)

The skill and artistic taste of the weavers were fully demonstrated in the decoration of towels, because a towel (towel) was perceived not just as a piece of material for household needs, it was an integral part of traditional rituals. A newborn was wrapped in it, bread and salt were served on it, a red corner in the house was decorated with it, it was used in wedding ceremonies, treats were laid out on it, remembering relatives who had passed on to the other world. IN folk life Thus, towels performed not so much utilitarian as decorative and ritual functions, which naturally affected the artistic quality of these products. As a rule, towels had a white field, on which, mainly along the edges, there were woven or embroidered patterns of red color, often with small splashes of black or yellow. The Belarusian towel is a connection between the past and the present, between man and higher spheres; these are bonds with symbolism that is not fully understood.

Weaving how folk craft lives and develops today as a decorative and applied art.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, a traditional Belarusian costume was formed, the features of which were formed under the influence of natural geographical conditions, the main occupations of the population, historical traditions, etc. The folk decoration was also influenced by other ethnic components; it reflected the historical and cultural ties of Belarusians with their neighbors - Ukrainians and Russians. Poles, Lithuanians, Latvians.

The Belarusian folk costume was necessarily decorated with embroidery, especially festive outfits. Along with the aesthetic function, embroidery played the role of a national symbol (for example, red roosters on a white field, cornflowers, a specific floral pattern, etc.).

Folk costume is a phenomenon of not only material, but also spiritual culture. Cloth. according to ancient beliefs, it was supposed to not only protect a person in both cold and heat, but also protect him from the adverse effects of invisible evil forces. This belief reflected the integrity of the worldview and the idea of. That man, nature, and space are interconnected by common laws of existence.

Since ancient times, pottery has been one of the traditional folk crafts in Belarus. Pottery was practiced everywhere. Craftsmen made clay utensils for household use. It was readily purchased in Vilna, Kyiv, Warsaw, and in Russian cities.

Despite all their diversity, the pottery of Belarusian masters retains common artistic features, which gives them a characteristic national flavor. Simple expressive forms are predominant, based on a ball, cylinder, cone. Their artistic expression is emphasized through a peculiar plasticity, an emphasized expression of the natural qualities of the material. In accordance with various technologies for making ceramic products, a distinction is made between pockmarked, poured and black-smoked ceramics. Some types of dishes were glazed, which gave them an even more elegant look. Complex shapes and bright painting are not typical for traditional Belarusian pottery.

The diversity and richness of decorative and artistic techniques, the uniqueness of ceramic forms is preserved to this day in the traditional centers of ceramic production - Ivenets, Rakov, Glubokoe, Telekhany. There are almost no enterprises left in Europe today where so-called stamping (mass production of products) does not “dominate.” There are still enterprises in Belarus (for example, the Borisov plant applied arts), where ceramic products with original painting are made by hand. It is no coincidence that the named plant received a proposal from the Union of Artists of Russia and the European Union of Artists to create an International European Center for Ceramics on its basis. This is evidence of recognition of the creative achievements of Belarusian pottery masters.

Artistic wood carving has become widespread in Belarus. Belarusian folk carving has never been distinguished by particularly expressive decorativeness (it should not be identified with professional volumetric openwork carving of the 17th – 18th centuries). People valued practicality and functionality most of all; the decor only complemented the convenient shape of the product.

Not as widespread as weaving, pottery, and wood carving in Belarus are artistic metal processing and folk art painting. Metal was less accessible in rural life. Than flax, clay, wood. It was used only for the most necessary products.

Artistic painting is a fairly widespread phenomenon in Belarus. artistic life received a unique expression in the painted carpets of Alena Kish, who lived and worked in the pre-war years (before the Second World War) in the Slutsk region. This artist, without any special education, left real works of decorative art, which art historians classify as primitivism. Moving between villages, moving from house to house, on homespun panels painted black, she painted scenes typical of painted wall hangings - a lake or river with lilies, boats, trees and bushes on the shore. There are also images of birds and animals. Alena Kish's carpets are a rare example of a combination of fine art and decorative design.

Thus, since ancient times, a unique folk culture has developed in Belarus, the traditions of which deserve respect and careful treatment by the state and people living on Belarusian soil. Today, the Center for Belarusian Folk Art “Skarbnitsa” (Treasury) has been created in the republic with the support of the state. The purpose of its creation is to improve the professional level of products from Belarusian arts and crafts enterprises. Graduates of the Academy of Arts and the Belarusian State University of Culture came to the Center - masters of ceramics, textiles, wood carving, metal processing, artists and art critics. .

Currently, the State Program for the Support of Folk Art, Decorative and Applied Arts and Crafts for 2000-2005 has been developed and is in effect. One of the directions of this program is the interesting cultural project “Traetski Kirmash” - aimed at the development of folk applied art, including children's creativity. Thanks to him, the work of original masters becomes known not only in our republic, but also beyond its borders. The program goes online, its electronic information support is being developed, and a virtual store of folk crafts is being created. Thus, the culture of Belarus in its development is in line with those processes that are characteristic of world culture, nevertheless preserving its originality and uniqueness.