"Zazhynki" Time: Symbolic Belarusian Rituals Held on the Fields of Vitebsk Region Farms

Now Maksim is a student at the Vitebsk Technological University, but he found time to help his native enterprise and, of course, to earn money during the holidays. Denis Demidov is the head of the machine yard, but he also took the helm of his combine harvester during the busy season when needed. The Chairman of the Verkhnedvinsk District Executive Committee, Igor Markovich (also, by the way, a native of Sarya), cited these young men at a seminar held before the district "Zazhinki" as an example of well-established work of management with personnel in agricultural enterprises.

The holiday itself was held according to local traditions: cheerful, with songs, ancient rituals, and prize-gifts in competitions in which not only the heads of farms in the Verkhnedvinsk district took part, but also guests from Vitebsk. The blessing of the future harvest was performed by local priests. The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Masher, showing a good command of the sickle, expressed hope that the Verkhnedvinsk region would again be among the leaders of the harvest this year and would overcome the cherished mark of 100 thousand tons of grain.

The head of the regional organization of the republican trade union of workers of the agro-industrial complex, Viktor Gutarov, noted that the harvest is the culmination of the campaign that began last autumn, and the work of thousands of people has been invested in it. This year's harvest should be larger than last year's, despite the not-so-favorable weather conditions. Now the main task is to start the mass harvest.

The "Zazhynki" (start of harvest) events for rural workers are being organized in all districts of the region. Everyone has made a huge contribution to the result: farm managers, specialists, machine operators, those who prepared the soil, sowed, and cultivated the crops to grow the harvest and thus ensure food security.

People are in an optimistic mood and eager to get to work, as the harvest, among other things, means good earnings. Combine operators are ready to work day and night, as long as grain moisture levels allow for operations. Trade union organizations have developed competition terms so that winners receive material rewards and gifts. We would like to acknowledge, emphasized Viktor Sergeevich, not only the regional leaders but also all harvest participants who will be in the leading positions in their districts and organizations. If there are not enough resources for incentives, the regional committee will help to recognize those worthy of awards.

Now, the most intense period in all senses awaits the agrarians, and all efforts must be made so that the rural workers meet the "Dazhynki" (end of harvest) festival with an even better mood and greater scope.

Ales Byńko, photos by author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".