Festive time: folk customs and beliefs in the tales of Belarusians

"Holiday Time" is a study of the calendar customs of Belarusians, based on living testimonies and folklore and ethnographic materials. The book reveals the depth of folk culture, where each holiday is not only joy, but also part of the general code of well-being, harvest, and health.

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The book, based on rich factual material collected during folklore and ethnographic expeditions, provides a comprehensive picture of the calendar customs of Belarusians as the most important sphere and subsystem of the life of our people, when every rite, magical action, song or invocation was intended to contribute to the future bountiful harvest, prosperity, and good health. First of all, the stories of villagers recorded in the last 10–20 years, their memories, and impressions related to the holidays of the folk calendar are presented. The author's text organically complements them for a full characterization of the traditional calendar holidays, customs, beliefs, and rituals of Belarusians in their regional diversity.
Addressed to ethnographers, folklorists, local historians, as well as everyone who is interested in the culture of their native land.