Folk Water Spirits Festival “Rusalia”
Last Saturday, a joyful folk festival took place by Staritsa Lake in the village of Lyubino‑Malorossy. It brought together experts in traditional culture and tourists from Omsk. The hot, sunny weather made the rites and ring dances of the Water Spirits Week especially vivid, and also allowed people to use water in the same way our ancestors did.
By the Lake
At noon, colorful organizers welcome guests by the lake
For several years now, the festival has been prepared by the team from Lyubino‑Malorossy Cultural Center
The day turned out to be hot, and all kinds of herbal teas are in high demand!
Traditional folk games are open to everyone
At this station, visitors can try archery
Baba Yaga shows how to get through the maze — no magic broom needed!
Kids can’t tackle the “Firewood Preparation” station without adult help
And don’t expect quick results at the bat‑and‑pin game — it’s tricky at first
Those tired of active games are invited to make a “wish doll”
The most popular spot is the wreath‑weaving corner with wildflowers
According to tradition, wreaths with wormwood served as protection against water spirits
Once woven, the wreath would entangle evil spirits and keep them from taking over one’s thoughts
Today, everyone at the festival has a wreath — even the bathhouse attendant!
She “steams” people gently, with a ticklish touch and the kindest wishes
After visiting all the stations, it’s the perfect time to rest on the sunny meadow
Though, it seems you won’t get much quiet time
The folk ensembles “Sonika” and “Shchedrovki” keep everyone entertained
Their performances of traditional songs are lively and full of energy
Ring Dances and Games
But the highlight today is not the songs — it’s the dances, ring dances, and games!
Everyone is in a wonderfully cheerful mood
With 30–40 like‑minded people gathered, you can perform dozens of folk dances
The festival organizers are supported by members of the “Sing-and-Dance” Omsk Russian Club
Despite the apparent simplicity, this choreography takes skill and practice
Traditional costumes look especially beautiful against the picturesque lakeside backdrop
Some dances involve switching partners according to a complex pattern
Others require physically demanding moves
Few dances can match the beauty of a ring dance performed by Russian women in traditional attire
A full hour of the program is dedicated to traditional folk choreography
The wreaths remind everyone what time of year it is and what the festival celebrates
To mix things up, guests move from dancing to games
This is the “Odd One Out” game: half the participants stand in a circle, while the others walk around to the music
As soon as the music stops, everyone must find a partner among those standing
If you find a pair, you keep playing; whoever is left without a partner becomes the odd one out
The fate of the last odd one out in the game isn’t enviable: they get carried off to be dunked in the lake
Good thing the weather makes taking a dip almost pleasant
Of course, the odd one out is always a local girl — the festival guests are spared this particular honor
It’s truly fun to watch such a fast‑paced, lively interaction unfold
“Hello, Kostroma! — Hello there!”: the final ring dance begins
Just minutes later, this main participant also falls out of favor
They carry him along the shortest possible route and toss him into the lake too
Still, going for a swim during these days has long been considered safe: the evil spirits are no longer in the water
So, have we danced enough? The mandatory rituals aren’t over yet!
Rituals
There are a few minutes to catch your breath before the festival’s grand finale
A young birch tree is decorated with ribbons, and everyone makes a wish
Our ancestors believed this tree was endowed with powerful life force
Jumping over the “bonfire” is said to cleanse the body of ailments and the soul of bad thoughts
Friends are invited to become spiritual sisters: this is their promise to help each other in everything
They exchange gifts and friendly cheek kisses through a wreath
Drowning of the Birch Tree
The final ritual remains: the drowning of the birch tree
Festival participants form an arrow‑shaped ring dance
The slavic mermaids carry the little tree slowly, accompanied by drawn‑out songs
The procession approaches the water’s edge, where a crowd of curious onlookers has already gathered
The singing never stops, not even for a second
It was believed that casting the birch into the water would ensure the right amount of moisture during the summer
It’s great that the hot weather allows the ritual to be carried out in full
According to ancestral tradition, from this moment on, the swimming season is officially open!
All that’s left for the festival guests is to cast their wreaths into the water
The mermaids do the same: in the old days, this was a way to tell fortunes about one’s future spouse
Nowadays, though, it’s more a tribute to tradition than an expectation of any omen
The ancient folk festival ended in complete harmony with nature!
