German ethnographers will "marry Tereshka" for Christmas in the Lepel district

January 5, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. German ethnographers will "marry Tereshka" for Kolyady in the Lepel district, Olga Makhonenko, an instructor-methodologist for organizing tourist activities at the Lepel District Executive Committee and coordinator of the regional branch of the public association "Rest in the Village," told a BELTA correspondent. The authentic Kolyady game, preserved to this day only in the Lepel region, has not been the first to arouse interest among foreign researchers. Specialists from Holland and Poland have already become acquainted with it, and German folklorists are visiting for the second time. However, for the first time, they will study the game, recognized as a historical and cultural value; in 2009, "The Marriage of Tereshka" was included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Belarus. Every year on January 7, on Christmas, in the village of Velevshchina, the local population plays the ancient game "The Marriage of Tereshka." Its essence is to introduce good lads to beautiful maidens. However, this is not simple matchmaking but a cheerful performance with songs and dances, frivolous jokes, and innocent kisses. By the way, the cheerful Belarusian saying "It's not a disaster to get married, but it's important not to get lost in marriage" originates precisely from Tereshka's songs. The Kolyady game, as is customary for weddings, concludes with a general feast. According to Olga Makhonenko, after this game, the time for real weddings began in the village. In the upcoming game, it is expected that, in addition to foreign guests, about 30 young villagers will participate. -0-