Students form Russian Language Summer School 2016 “celebrated a wedding” at YKSUG

Lecturers and volunteers of the Russian Language Summer School 2016 from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno not only share their knowledge, but also try to introduce to them authentic Belarusian culture and traditions.

For the past three weeks at the Russian Language lessons foreign guests were told about the history of Belarus, got acquainted with Belarusian cinematography. During workshops they tried to make toys, decorated with Belarusian ornaments, as well, as learn how to dance “Liavonikha” and play some traditional music instruments.

“The most exciting knowledge of the Belarusian culture for foreigners was staged Belarusian wedding. During the rite they were presented a modern vision of traditional custom” , explains Russian Language Summer School 2016 volunteer Yuliya Haponik. “We have written an interesting scenery, full of various Belarusian wedding customs, and also cooked a lot of traditional meals, which excited our guests a lot”.

As a result of a draw, Lukas Sabik, a Slovenian student, got a role of a bridegroom, and Akane Namoto became bride. Mandatory parts of a wedding are matchmakers, best men and, of course, bride’s and groom’s parents. Their roles were taken by other Summer School students, and also Belarusian and Polish volunteers.

“It all began with matchmaking, and then the bride was kidnapped by the fairy villain – Solovey the Rogue, played by Francesco Prete.”, said Yuliua. ”Then the groom had to pay a ransom for his bride to mermaids, Triton and Baba Yaga. Lukas and his companions have overcome a number of trials and contests!”

Before sitting at the festive table, bride and groom tried genuine loaf, baked by volunteers, stood on rushnik and tried homemade kvass.

During the feast a bridal veil was removed, and bride’s best man sung a Belarusian traditional song “I bow before You”, and later, together with guests, the “Kupalinka” song.

There also was a lot of dancing. After the first bridal dance of the bride and groom, other guest of the tableful were proposed to learn traditional dance “Belarusian polka”. A huge portion of positive emotions was generated during “blind man’s buff” and “creek” games.

As a result of the wedding, bride and groom got handmade rings, improvised marriage certificates and pleasant memories. Other guests receive the excellent mood and eagerness to continue discovering of Belarusian culture and traditions.