Ritual «Christmas carols kings» (13-14 January 2017)

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13 - 14 January 2017

Ritual «Christmas carols kings» (13-14 January 2017)

Ritual «Christmas carols kings» (13-14 January 2017)

In the Christmas Eve from January 13th to January 14th the villagers of Semezhevo in Kopyl district traditionally invite everyone to hold an ancient rite «Christmas carols kings».

The rite originated in the XVIII century, when near the village were a part of the Russian army. The soldiers went from home to home and arranged presentations for their local residents give a treat them. Semezhevo villagers adopted tradition by adding a Belarusian coloring and passed down from generation to generation. In 2009, a ceremony was included in the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

The program of events includes Christmas fair: Christmas merrymaking, performances by folk ensembles, fortune telling, sports attractions, exhibition and sale of souvenirs, tasting of traditional cuisine. Guests can also visit the weaving center which has created a unique exhibition, consisting of samples of so-called laying weaving.
In the evening the main festival event will be held on - the participation in the rite «Christmas carols kings», accompanied by experts of local traditions: there are seven kings, Mamay and evil spirits - Ded and Baba - walk on the streets of the village from house to house singing and congratulating. After the presentation there is the traditional owners of the house greeting and gifting ceremony participants.
And in the end there will be a Christmas dinner with hospitable inhabitants with traditional songs.

Location: Minsk region, Kopyl district, Semezhevo village.
Time: 13 - 14 January 2017

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