July 16 in the village of Zyuri Mamadysh region of Tatarstan Republican festival of culture Kryashens "Pitrau" to be held
In the village Zyuri Mamadysh region of Tatarstan the Republican festival of culture Kryashens "Pitrau" on 16 July is held.
Pitrau - one of the most revered holidays of Kryashens. Traditionally it celebrates the memory of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, on completion of Petrov fasting. In old times the feast had a ceremonial character.
In the evening, young men and women went to the forest to pick flowers and herbs, decorated their homes, gates, and were preparing medicinal infusions. According to popular belief, it was the day of Saints Peter and Paul, ends with a miraculous effect. Also, during the holiday, young people were choosing their brides, and among Kryashens was a saying "In Pitrau brides are chosen, and wedding on Pokrov is celebrated." It was believed that marriages at this time are very strong. During the festival, last summer games would held, and after that the villagers would start harvesting.
Petrov day was considered a calendar border of the year, after which the change in nature would begin, indicating the approach of autumn.
From this day begins a period of change in nature: exactly at dinner time birds would stop twittering . They say if you drink a decoction of herbs gathered on this day, all diseases would leave you. Boys born in this month, mainly would name Peter and Paul.
In the evening at the table only adults and old people would sit. Young people were having fun and relaxing night on the meadow, forest clearings. This custom is called "Watching the sun." Everyone at the dawn tries to see the sunrise. On this day, the sun is "playing " as well as the Trinity and Midsummer(Kupalie). Before dawn songs, dance, accordion music were not subsiding. This day is known ancient divination: during the sun playing one should have time to braid a wreath on birch branches. This wreath is usually is woven together by lad and girl. The next day they looked: if wreath survived, in autumn one could send matchmakers - family life will be strong and happy.
Earlier, on Pitrau, Kryashens performed special calendar and church chants. Old lingering round dance tunes actually - ritual chants, the performance of which has a magic meaning, direction for the future harvest. Round dance movement towards a field or woods, driving round dances near eared field are evidence of recourse to backers of fields and crops.
Today Pitrau helps preserve the original traditions and culture of Kryashens. Festive action tells about multifaceted life of the people, absorbing the ancient customs, song and dance traditions, ancient way of life.
Folklore festival "Pitrau" in Zyuri village Mamadysh region is held for the 17th time. Every year the number of participants of celebrations is growing. On the feast are present more than 60 thousand people. This year, the creative teams have been invited from 22 regions of the republic and 3 regions of Russia.
Characteristic for the holiday "Pitrau" are rites and customs: an offering holiday treats to Earth- nurse, trees, holy source, the meeting of the first rays of the sun by dance ritual bonfire at night give the holiday a unique flavor. Every year more and more creative teams from Tatarstan regions, as well as representatives of the Russian Federation and the regions take part in a fete. Today, in the area there are 30 folk groups. Of these, 10 folk groups - Kryashens. Members of folk groups show the long-forgotten national holidays.
The program of the festival "Pitrau - 2016" includes horse races, national wrestling, throwing weights, arms-wrestling, tournaments, chess, checkers, tug of war, pole climbing, running and other traditional folk games.
At the festival you will see Kryashen performances of folklore ensembles and artists from different villages, and regions. A contest "Beauty Pitrau" will be a highlight and unique holiday decoration.