16 January 2023
Shchedrets folk rite in Mogilev District
Shchedrets (Generous Evening) is one of the folk rites of the Christmas cycle. It is observed on 13-14 January. This rite involves ritual songs beginning with the words ‘generous evening, good evening'. Participants of the rite often choose the most beautiful girl of the evening- Shchodra. She leads a procession of carolers who go around the houses and sing songs. The Shchedrets ceremony was held by residents of the agricultural town of Kadino and local lore specialists from the Kadino community house, Mogilev District. People dressed as a goat, a bear and an accordion player visited houses of local residents wishing them a Merry Christmas and got gifts from home owners.