Ancient rite revived in Belarus
Thirty 7-14-year-old girls – pupils of the Kupalochka folklore ensemble in Klichev – have become the participants of the rite revived upon the initiative of the team’s head and folk art teacher, Natalia Koktysh
“The Luka rite originated many years ago in the village of Usakino in the Klichev District. The Shagoiko family – who have preserved the heritage of their ancestors and told us about the traditions of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers – still live there,” Ms. Koktysh explained. “In the old days, only girls participated in the rite. They were necessarily dressed in folk clothes, with handkerchiefs – which were called kashamyrki – on their heads. We have not changed the tradition: our girls dance exclusively in folk costumes. However, we have also attracted boys: they play musical instruments, dance, and participate in fun.”
The ceremony symbolises the rebirth of the earth, the awakening of nature, and it is dedicated to the future harvest: in addition to round dances, children roll Easter eggs, treat all guests with cakes, pancakes and bacon.
The Kupalochka ensemble has about fifty ritual songs and dances on its repertoire, in addition to a unique children's Christmas rite Kury [Chickens] preserved in Belarus and included in the state list of historical and cultural values.
Natalia Koktysh's grandmother, mother, and she herself have been doing everything possible so that folk traditions and their local dialect would not be forgotten.
