In the Lepel district, they will again "marry Tereshka"

January 6, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. In the Lepel district, "Zhanits Tereshka" will be performed again for Kolyady, Olga Makhonenko, an instructor-methodologist for organizing tourist activities of the Lepel District Executive Committee, coordinator of the regional branch of the public association "Rest in the Village," told BELTA correspondent. The authentic Kolyady game "Zhanitba Tereshki," which has survived to this day only in the Lepel region, was recognized as a historical and cultural value in 2009 and included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Belarus. Both domestic ethnographers and foreigners naturally show interest in it. Dutch and Polish specialists studied and described this Christmas fun, and German filmmakers shot a documentary film and promise to hold its premiere screening in the Lepel district in the spring of this year. According to Olga Makhonenko, "Zhanitba Tereshki" is becoming a full-fledged tourist product and will contribute to the development of tourism in the region. Every year on January 7, on Christmas, in the village of Anoshki, the local population plays the ancient game "Zhanitba Tereshki." 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 - "To get married is not a disaster, the main thing is not to disappear while married" - originates precisely from Tereshka's songs. The Kolyady game, as is customary for weddings, ends with a general feast. According to Olga Makhonenko, after this game, the time for real weddings came in the village. About two dozen young villagers are expected to take part in the upcoming game. -0-