FestRider Photo Blog

Folk Water Spirits Festival “Rusalia”

Lyubino‑Malorossy (Omsk Region)
Full Story: 60 photosQuick Impression: 21 photos
At noon, colorful organizers welcome guests by the lake
Kids can’t tackle the “Firewood Preparation” station without adult help
At this station, visitors can try archery
Their performances of traditional songs are lively and full of energy
The most popular spot is the wreath‑weaving corner with wildflowers
After visiting all the stations, it’s the perfect time to rest on the sunny meadow
But the highlight today is not the songs — it’s the dances, ring dances, and games!
Everyone is in a wonderfully cheerful mood
Despite the apparent simplicity, this choreography takes skill and practice
The wreaths remind everyone what time of year it is and what the festival celebrates
Some dances involve switching partners according to a complex pattern
Others require physically demanding moves
Our ancestors believed this tree was endowed with powerful life force
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
Festival participants form an arrow‑shaped ring dance
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
The mermaids do the same: in the old days, this was a way to tell fortunes about one’s future spouse
The ancient folk festival ended in complete harmony with nature!

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