Customs and traditions of Lezgins (a brief essay). The people of Dagestan: culture, traditions, customs Information for the event ancient customs of the ancient Lezgins

Lezgi weddings are famous for their scope, sparkling, unrestrained fun. Young people throughout the holiday compete with each other in dexterity and ability to dance, measure strength, prove their courage to others. It would seem that everything here breathes with ease, but in fact, Lezgin weddings are a very serious and responsible event, a solemn event, the decision to organize which was made long before the holiday itself.

The young man informed his father about his desire to marry through his friend. Having received such news, the relatives gathered for family council and discussed in detail the candidacy of the proposed bride. If all those present agreed that the young man had chosen a worthy girl, then matchmakers were sent to her parents' house.

Most often, boys and girls are betrothed in early childhood, but if this happens at a conscious age, then the bride is simply showered with expensive gifts. The main gift wedding ring made of silver or gold.

The betrothal is a ritual during which the groom's entourage or his representatives come to the house of the bride's parents with gifts intended for the girl and treats for her parents and relatives. Previously, the parties agreed on the amount of the ransom for the bride, which was required to be collected before the appointed date.

On the day of the betrothal, the father of the girl (girl) hosted numerous guests in his house. It could be the future groom himself or his father, uncle, brothers and next of kin. Senior representatives of the clan could conclude an agreement. With a positive response to the finger, the bride was put on an expensive ring. From that moment to the day of the wedding, it could take from a year to five or more years.

During this time, the young did not see each other and did not communicate. There were cases when the bride and groom, betrothed in infancy, knowing about the existence of each other, met for the first time only at their own wedding.

Wedding preparations

The girl's parents begin to prepare for the wedding almost from the moment she is born.

Such preparation consists in collecting a dowry, which consists of:

• dishes;
• bedding;
• pillows and blankets;
• fabrics;
• clothes.

Wealthier Lezgins were given as a dowry to the bride Jewelry or silver dinnerware.

Preparations for the wedding lasted several years, as it was necessary not only to sew festive clothes, but also to collect dowry, gifts for dear guests and relatives of the groom.

Holding a celebration

The wedding continues for several days. The richer the family, the longer the holiday lasts. On the first day, three musicians were traditionally received in the groom's house, who were presented with gifts in the form of:

• three pairs of socks;
• three scarves;
• three loaves of bread.

The second day is the day of the marriage ceremony. In the house of the groom's parents, guests and relatives gathered, who brought gifts for the young. Friends of the groom, witnesses, qadis and mullahs entered the room where the newlyweds, the father and uncle of the bride were waiting for them. They asked the bride and groom if they agreed to tie the knot, read a prayer, and performed the marriage ceremony. After that, the boy and girl were called husband and wife. On the third day, the girl left her parents' home and moved to her husband's house.

Here her mother-in-law met her with a little boy in her arms (according to legend, the girl who took the baby in her arms was supposed to be the first to give birth to a son).

So that life was sweet and happy, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law did not argue or quarrel, the mother of the groom treated the daughter-in-law with honey.

The girl had to eat a spoonful of honey from the hands of her mother-in-law. She had no right to refuse. Young Lezgins and Lezgins had fun at weddings separately.

Modern youth celebrate in the same hall of the restaurant, and girls and boys dance in the same circle, but earlier it was strictly forbidden for women to be in the same room with men, even during the holiday. Traditional dance - lezginka. Guys and older men dance it, demonstrating their dexterity during the dance.

If the bride takes part in the dance, then the groom's relatives should appreciate the smoothness of movements, the ability to emphasize the merits of the partner, remaining in the shadow of the man.

After the wedding

After the celebrations are over, the groom takes the young bride and goes with her to the house of his parents.

The wedding night is a sacred sacrament, after which the mother and aunts of the groom must receive visual confirmation of the innocence of the bride. On the morning after the wedding night, the bride's parents are told that the girl is indeed chaste, and the celebration continues.

Only on the third day did the now young wife leave the room and meet the guests on the threshold of the house of her new relatives. She gives each visitor a personalized gift.

The first two days after the wedding, the groom spent in the company of his friends, and on the third he met his close relatives and accepted congratulations.

This video will tell you all about wedding traditions and rituals in the Caucasus:

Modern Lezgi weddings are in many ways different from the holidays of the past. However, even today, most Lezgins sacredly honor the traditions of their people and conduct betrothal and wedding rites in accordance with the ritual of their ancestors. Despite the fact that, according to tradition, boys and girls celebrate and have fun separately from each other, many organize a banquet in restaurants or cafes, where representatives of both families gather, regardless of age. How to celebrate the wedding of a young Lezgin, so as not to violate traditions and not offend the elders with your behavior? It is worth listening to the advice and recommendations of close relatives and toastmasters, in the role of which is the most respected and revered person from among the groom's relatives.

The Lezgins are the oldest indigenous people of the Dagestan Republic, whose territory was part of the East Caucasian ethno-cultural community of the 5th century BC. The descendants of the Lezgins managed to convey to this day the identity, culture and traditions of their ancestors.

Basic rites of the wedding ceremony

Betrothal. It is customary to betroth young people here at a very young age, and there are also frequent cases of betrothal of unborn children. This is considered the highest manifestation of friendship and mutual respect between families among the Eastern peoples. On this day, the groom's retinue was on their way to the bride's house. The girl was showered with expensive gifts, among which the main one was an engagement ring made of silver or gold.

Cooking. During this period, preparatory work was carried out for the wedding, festive dresses were sewn, a dowry was prepared and wedding gifts. The time interval between the engagement and the wedding could drag on for several years.

1 day. The celebration began with the reception of three musicians in the groom's house, who were given traditional gifts: three scarves, three pairs of socks, three bread cakes.

Day 2 Boxing Day and Conclusion wedding contract. To the court of the groom, all the inhabitants of the village carried several kg of grain or flour. The bride, on the other hand, received the necessary household items as a gift: socks, scarves, bags, etc. After the donation procedure, the newlyweds, the uncle and father of the bride, witnesses and friends of the groom, qadi and mullah entered the house. Witnesses asked the newlyweds if they agreed to tie themselves in marriage. After that, a prayer was read, a marriage ceremony was performed. In the house of the uncle on the line of the mother of the groom, a tablecloth was laid out, on which the guests put various delicacies and money. The tablecloth with the contents was hidden in a chest and lay there until the wedding night.

Day 3 The bride said goodbye to her house and moved to the groom's house. The consent and readiness of the girl to leave the house was evidenced by woolen socks hanging in the yard on a rifle. The procession of the groom's retinue on the way to the bride was accompanied by a trick with shooting. Before entering new house, the bride spilled water to "make friends" with the local deities. At the family hearth, the mother-in-law with a boy in her arms was the first to meet the girl, then the groom's mother showered her daughter-in-law with flour, and the girl threw a handful of flour into the fire.

Rites and traditions of the children's cycle

Childbirth. The father was not supposed to be in the house during childbirth. There was a reward for the news of a newborn. On the first night, the woman in labor was not allowed to sleep in order to protect the child from the demonic creature Al-Pub, which could cause damage or replace the newborn. Also, evil spirits were scared away by fire in the room and shooting from guns in the yard.

Naming. Traditionally, a child received a name in honor of a deceased close relative who lived a righteous life. If the child was sick or naughty for a long time, the name could be changed to another.

First haircut. Sheared uterine hair was carefully guarded and in no case thrown away. The first haircut, as a rule, was carried out by the eldest man in the family. Hair was placed under the pillow of the child to give him a sound healthy sleep. So that the baby does not grow up to be a thief, his nails were not cut for a long time, the cut nails were burned.

First tooth. It was considered a bad sign if the first tooth of a child was noticed by his mother. If this happened, the woman tore the collar of her underwear so that her teeth would grow well, for this purpose the baby's shirt collar was also torn a little. The first person who noticed a growing tooth was given a needle - a symbol of sharpness.

First step. Rising to his feet was accompanied by a shower of roasted wheat grains and hemp. When the child took the first step on his own, adults imitated breaking or cutting the fetters so that the baby would stand confidently in the future.

Household customs and holidays

The vernal equinox. On this day, the Lezgins celebrated the beginning of agricultural work. On the night of March 22, bonfires were lit in all courtyards, and rifles were fired. The next day everyone dressed in new clothes and cooked holiday treats. The feast was accompanied by impromptu performances and various costumed processions.

First sowing. Before starting the sowing of spring and winter crops, the mistress of the house had to treat the first person she met with a bread cake. The owner, with five fingers, made small holes in the ground and put the first grains there, but if after some time sprouts did not sprout from any recess, then the corresponding finger was wrapped with a bandage during sowing.

Flower Festival. The youth at the appointed time traditionally went to pick flowers in the mountains. Then, dressed in smart clothes, girls and boys went to the nearest aul and performed various festive ceremonies there with dances and power competitions.

Collection of cherries. original holiday with dancing, singing and games, which is dedicated to the buying and selling of cherry fruits, cherry trees.

The customs of hospitality, kunachestvo (friendly mutual assistance) and blood feud have historically been an integral part of the life of the Lezgi people.

Children could be betrothed at an early age and even unborn. This custom expressed the desire to consolidate family and friendly ties between families. In addition, childless women, going together to sacred places, made a vow in the event of the birth of one boy, and the other girl, to combine them in marriage.

Bride kidnapping was practiced. If it was done with the consent of the girl, after a while her relatives came to terms with it.

The Lezgins did not have a kalym (bride price), but they paid a certain fee for the bride to her parents.

The Lezgins of the Samur District paid a certain amount to support their wife in the event of a divorce. The groom's parents made offerings to the bride's relatives in the form of various items of clothing and food. The day of the betrothal was agreed after reaching an agreement on the terms of payment. On this day, all the groom's relatives went to the bride's house. They did it to her expensive gifts and put on the finger a ring of gold or silver. The period between betrothal and marriage could last up to five years. This period depended on the groom's ability to make wedding gifts. The bride, meanwhile, prepared the dowry. The bride and groom did not talk to each other before the wedding and avoided possible meetings.

During the holidays or on the occasion of the arrival of one of the relatives, the groom's parents visited the bride with gifts. After this visit, the groom was obliged to pay the promised amount, and the bride had to sew all her outfits and complete the last preparations for the wedding.

On the first day of the wedding, three musicians came to the house. The groom's relative brought out a tray on which lay three scarves intended for them, three chureks (bread cakes), three pairs of socks. This moment was considered the beginning of the wedding celebrations.

On the second day, the guests gave gifts to the bride and groom. Almost all villagers took 3-5 kg ​​of flour or grain to the groom's house. The bride was presented with household items: bags, saddle covers, socks, handkerchiefs. The bridegroom, the priest, the qadi (judge), two witnesses and two friends of the groom came to the bride's house. From the side of the bride, her father and uncle were present. Witnesses asked about the consent of the bride and groom to marry. The uncle or father was responsible for the bride. The mullah, after reading the prayer, approved the performance of the marriage ceremony.

Then the groom went to his maternal uncle, where he spread a tablecloth in one of the rooms, where relatives and friends put money. The tablecloth was then hidden in the bridal chest and retrieved by the groom on their wedding night. The groom kept the money for himself, and the tablecloth with delicacies was supposed to be given to the person who hid it in the chest.

On the third day, the bride was transported to the groom's house. During the wedding, the newlyweds were not allowed to meet each other. The groom was constantly with his best men, of whom there were two. One of the best men was a relative, the other a friend. The best men acted as bodyguards. The impromptu wedding ceremony of "kidnapping" among the Lezgins differed from the similar rite among most mountain peoples in that the "victim of abduction" was not the bride, but the groom.

By evening, the wedding procession was moving along the path for the bride. The uncle's wife came out of the house, removed a piece of meat from the rifle and tied patterned woolen socks to it, which meant the bride was ready to leave the house. During the movement, an integral attribute of the procession was dzhigitovka with shooting. When the groom's retinue approached the bride's house, they hid her in one of the rooms and did not let her out until the ransom was paid by the groom. Then she dressed in wedding attire. The bride was carried out of the house in her arms. Her face was hidden by a red veil - a symbol of innocence. When entering a new house, the bride "accidentally" poured water from a jug, as the Lezgins believed that this ensures good relations with the deities of the house. The bride was brought to a separate room, where she received congratulations on the new hearth. The first bride was congratulated by her mother-in-law, who gave her a boy in her hands so that the expectant mother would give birth to her first-born son.

The Lezgins had a custom of showing the wedding bed to prove the chastity of the newlywed. If the bride turned out to be not a virgin, then the groom informed his best men about this and had the right to immediately divorce and send her to her parents' house. As a rule, such a woman ended her life by suicide.

The Lezgin wedding was fun, guests and old people enjoyed special respect. When accompanied by several women, the young woman first entered her mother-in-law's utility room, she showered her with flour, and the bride threw a handful of flour into the fire as a sign that she had become the lawful mistress of the hearth.

During childbirth, the father of the unborn child was taken away from home. The one who informed him about the birth of a child was entitled to a gift. The birth of a son was a more joyful event than the birth of a daughter. The name of the child was given by one of the older relatives. This was accompanied by food and family holiday. According to tradition, the child was named after a deceased relative or grandfather.

Day spring equinox- March 22 - was considered the beginning of a new agricultural year. This event was celebrated with the yaran-suvar holiday (red holiday). On the evening of March 21, bonfires were lit near the houses. Each village and each family sought to make their fire brighter than others. Torches were placed at the gates on behalf of the sick and minors. According to Lezgin beliefs, fire cleanses the body, burns sins, and strengthens the body. They jumped through the fire, saying magic spells about getting rid of sins. It was impossible to look at the fire for a long time. It was customary to steal a burning log or firebrand from the fire of a foreign village. The loss of fire was considered a disgrace, and the kidnapping was considered heroism. One-

temporarily with the ignition of the fire they fired from guns. In some villages, children threw burning wooden hoops downhill. Children were presented with sweets, which were placed in bags that were lowered through the smoke and light openings of the roof.

On March 22 they put on new clothes, "to walk around in everything new all year." During the day, a festive meal was prepared from boiled wheat grains, walnuts with lamb and cow legs. There was a procession of mummers. Two people in masks with horns, accompanied by other people, walked through the village, arranging an impromptu fight in front of each house, during which one mummer fell. The winner asked: "What do you want?". The loser named a certain type of traditional treat (eggs, nuts, dried fruits), and the owners of the house took them out. The gifts received were divided equally among all participants in the procession, after which the game of breaking eggs began. The winner was the one who broke someone else's egg. Dressed as a fox, wearing a skin turned inside out, accompanied by musicians and singers, he approached each house, lay down on the ground and demanded refreshments, which were then also divided equally among the participants in the procession.

With the beginning of the sowing of spring and winter crops, the rite of the first sowing (both spring and autumn) was associated. With the beginning of work, each housewife took a bread cake with her and treated it to the first person she met. Starting to sow, the peasant made depressions in the ground with his hand, where he put the grain. If grains did not germinate from any hole, then this finger was considered “unpleasant” to God, and the peasant tied it up for the period of sowing.

The holiday was also dedicated to the harvesting of sweet cherries. Its beginning was timed to the market day. Lezgin families came to villages rich in cherries and bought cherries. For several days the families lived in the garden, eating the fruits from the acquired trees. The celebration was accompanied by games, dancing and singing.

The festival of flowers was celebrated by a campaign of boys and girls in the mountains for flowers. The celebration was led by a young and enterprising man ("shah"). Young people prepared smart clothes and food supplies for the holiday in advance. On the appointed day, young men and women, accompanied by a drummer, went to the village, where they danced and competed in strength exercises. The winners received prizes from the girls - pouches and socks. The celebration could last up to three days.

According to one of the customs, the bull Brown color, bought with the money of the rural community, was circled around the village three times at night, and then killed. The meat was distributed to all the families of the village. It was believed that such a "sacrifice" should protect the cattle from death. There was a prescription according to which any animal, except for a goat, was sacrificed. This custom was associated with the belief that goats are animals with cold lips, and the gods would not accept such a sacrifice.

Calling up the sun, a group of people dressed up wooden doll. She was dressed in a dress, a red scarf was put on her head, beads were put on her neck. The doll was held in the hands of a woman who walked through the yards and sang a song calling the sun.

To perform the rite of calling rain, a person was chosen from among the poorest, neediest people, who was dressed in a suit of large green leaves. An iron basin was put on his head. The mummers walked around the yards. Mistresses first doused him with water, and then presented him with eggs, money, bread, cheese and honey. After going around the houses, the whole group went to the "sacred feast", after which the chorus uttered words calling for rain. Treats were shared among those present, while the best part of them was given to the mummer.

Lezgi folklore is unusually rich. It includes epic, legends, songs. They were performed by folk singers - ashugs. The national musical instruments of the Lezgins are saz and tar (bowed), zurna and flute (wind), drums.

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You taught us to be persistent in the fight,

Taught to work, sparing no effort.

Our teacher, earthly bow to you

For everything you taught us.

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Every nation wants its history to be remembered, traditions and culture to be respected. There are no two identical states on Earth. Each has its own roots and unique features - zest. This is one of these wonderful peoples and will be discussed further.

The Caucasus is a place of high mountains, excellent wines and hot Caucasian blood. However, many years ago, when this region was still wild and unbridled, the amazing Lezgin people (Caucasian nationality) lived here, awakening the modern civilized Caucasus to life. They were rich people ancient history. For many centuries they were better known as "legs" or "leks". Living in the south, he constantly defended himself from the great ancient conquerors of Persia and Rome.

Nationality "Lezgin": history

A long time ago, several original mountain tribes united in order to create their own state, unlike anyone else, with its own spiritual culture and deep traditions. It was the beginning of the thirteenth century. Well, they succeeded perfectly, because today the Lezgins (nationality) live in the southernmost territories of Russia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. For a long time they inhabited the Dagestan region, which now and then passed into the possession of new invaders. The inhabitants of that area at that time were called "emirs of Lezgistan". Over time, the state broke up into many small khanates that fought for their independence.

People who honor traditions

Let's take a closer look at this nationality. Lezgins have a rather bright and explosive character. This Caucasian people has long honored the customs of hospitality, kunakry and, of course, blood feud. It is noteworthy that very big role in their culture plays the right upbringing of children. Surprisingly, they begin to educate the baby even when he is in the mother's womb. This is probably what distinguishes the Lezgins. Nationality has a lot interesting traditions. Here is one of them.

If women could not have children, that is, they were childless, they were sent to the sacred places of the Caucasus. In case of success, namely the birth of children of different sexes, families who were friends with each other promised each other in the future to marry children. They sincerely believed in the healing power of sacred places and took such travel seriously. Some argue that this custom was formed as a result of a desire to strengthen friendship and family ties between certain families.

Ancient rites and modern life

Lezgin - what kind of nation is this? Let's take a closer look below. Despite their small numbers, the Lezgins have fairly fundamental moral standards that are associated with long-standing traditions.

Of the wedding customs, one of the most striking can be distinguished - the kidnapping of the bride. The most interesting thing is that such a tradition was practiced both with the consent of the bride, and without it. As it turned out, there was no ransom as such. For the young, a certain payment was simply made to her parents. Perhaps today it reminds some of some kind of purchase and seems not quite worthy, but practice shows that most of the locals treated this with joy and great enthusiasm.

Eastern traditions of hospitality

Lezgins have a special attitude towards guests and the elderly. They are given special respect. Old people are not allowed to do difficult work, and guests are not allowed to do household chores at all, even if they urgently ask for it. All the best is given to guests: they sleep on the most comfortable bed, even if the owners can stay overnight on the floor. Sometimes you want many nations today to be able to better study their culture and learn something useful for themselves from there, especially with regard to how to treat guests. People today have achieved a lot, but have lost something valuable - an understanding of the true nature of human relationships.

Oriental cultures, in principle, differ from others in their special attitudes towards women. They have always been considered in the East as secondary members of society. Lezgin culture is no exception, but it is safe to say that, despite this situation, men have always treated Lezgins with deep respect. It was considered a great shame for the Lezgi family to raise a hand against a woman or somehow insult her dignity in some other way.

Spiritual heritage or what religion is the Lezgins national?

What can be said about the spiritual heritage of the ancient Lezgins? Today, the majority professes Islam. Scientists willingly admit that the religious culture of the people has not been thoroughly studied, but its roots, of course, go back to paganism and are largely intertwined with folk mythology. For example, the Lezgins still have a rather curious idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhow the amazing planet Earth is located in space. They believe that it rests on the horns of Yaru Yats (Red Bull), which, in turn, stands on Chiehi Yad (translated as "Big Water"). This is such an interesting design. Although it somewhat contradicts scientific data, some believe in it quite sincerely. These are the unusual ideas about the world that the Lezgins had. The nationality, whose religion is Islam, is quite original.

famous all over the world

Some are outraged that these religious teachings are saturated with mythology and quite often contradict generally accepted concepts of common sense. The modern life of this people has largely adopted the foundations of modernity. They certainly honor traditions, but they are much less fanatical about them than before. Special attention of tourists and travelers is attracted by the national dance Lezghins. Today there are very few people who have never heard of Lezginka.

This original and bewitching dance has long been danced by the Lezgins. This nationality is quite original, and the dance is a confirmation of this. How long ago the lezginka arose and how old it is is not known for certain. Some suggest that it originates from ritual Caucasian dances.

Lezginka is a very dynamic and full of movement dance. By the way, it was the Russians who gave it its modern name. Cheerful and cheerful music, to which this dance is performed, did not leave many famous composers indifferent. Some of them even slightly changed or interpreted the old traditional melody in a different way.

The Lezgi people are famous for their customs and traditions. In this article we will consider the most striking of them.

Bride kidnapping and bride price

There was also a practice of kidnapping a bride. If the kidnapping was done with the consent of the girl, then her relatives put up with this fact. As for the kalym, the Lezgins did not have such a practice. But there was a certain fee that the bride's parents received for her.

Among the Lezgins, children could be betrothed from an early age. Even those who have not yet been born. This fact indicated that the families tried to intermarry as soon as possible, to establish a connection between families. Also, if there were no children in the family, then women visited sacred places where they gave dinner to marry children if one had a son and the other had a daughter. The parents of the future groom presented all kinds of gifts to the parents of the bride. And the date of the engagement was agreed upon after an agreement was reached on payment. On the day of the betrothal, all the groom's relatives went to the bride's house, presented expensive gifts, put on a gold or silver ring.

How quickly did they celebrate the wedding after the engagement?

Between the engagement and the wedding could reach up to five years. The period between these events depended on the groom's ability to present wedding gifts. And the bride was given this time to prepare the dowry. The bride and groom could not communicate at this time, and possible meetings had to be avoided.

The Lezgin wedding was always fun, it lasted more than one or even two days. The festivities took several days, and each day had its own traditions. The beginning of the wedding festivities was considered the day when three musicians came to the house, and for them they prepared three scarves, chureks, 3 pairs of socks. On the second day, young people were given gifts - flour, grain, household items. A clergyman with the groom, witnesses, the bride's father and uncle came to the house of the future wife. Witnesses asked about the consent of the bride and groom to marry. After the prayer, the mullah approved the marriage ceremony.

Lezgins demonstrated the chastity of the bride after the wedding night. If the bride turned out to be not a virgin, then the groom told the groomsmen about it. He could immediately divorce his wife and send her to her parents' house. Usually, such a girl committed suicide.

red holiday

March 22 was the vernal equinox. This is the start of a new agricultural year. The night before, bonfires were lit at all the houses. Everyone tried to make the fire brighter. It was necessary to jump through the fire - it was believed that this action relieves sins, strengthens the body. They also tried to steal a firebrand from the fire of a foreign village. If the fire disappeared, then it was considered a shame. And the one who could steal - he was a hero. March 22 dressed in new outfits. Cooked festive table- millet, walnuts, lamb legs. There was a procession of mummers, where they were presented with gifts and divided equally among the participants in the procession.

Lezgins living in Derbent