Shchedrets folk rites held in Belarus
Shchedrets folk rites held in Belarus
The Shchedrets folk rites were held in Mogilev District and Soligorsk District on 13-14 January. Shchedrets (Generous Evening) is one of the holidays of the Kolyada (Christmas) cycle. Ritual songs begin with the words "generous evening, good evening." On Shchedrets they would often choose the most beautiful girl to lead a procession of carolers that would go door-to-door and sing carols.
The traditional rite was conducted by residents of the agro-town of Kadino and specialists of the Kadino community center of Mogilev District. Dressed up as a goat, a bear and a bayanist they walked through the streets of the agro-town wishing Merry Christmas to the locals who, in turn, gave them generous treats.