Republican holiday of the hunter « Inőralysyaslőn gazh » (07/09)

Every resident of the Komi Republic knows about the village of Yeremeevo, Trinity-Pechorsky district. Once every two years, in September, the Hunter's Festival « Bőralysalőn gazh » takes place here. It was in September that the Komi fishing season began « with a » Voral.

In the 18-19 centuries, before the start of fishing, the arteli of the Upper Pechora and Ilych hunters gathered in the village of Eremeevo to coordinate routes and agree on mutual observance of interests.

For the first time, the hunter's holiday in the Trinity Pechorsky district was held in March 2001 in the village of Pokcha. It was a rural holiday « Neither fluff nor feather ». He was dedicated to hunting dynasties.

Photo: Hunter's Festival « Inőralysyaslőn gazh »

In 2003, the Hunter's Day was moved to Yeremeevo. The newspaper « Republic » wrote: « Opening of autumn hunting, residents of the Komi village of Eremeevo, Troitsko-Pechora region, noted the competition of fishers called « Medbur Kyizys ». Competitions were held as part of the traditional holiday « Vöralysyaslön gazh ». It is noteworthy that the stage action was carried out exclusively in the Komi language ».

The holiday oversees the Department of Culture of the Administration of the Municipal District « Troitsko-Pechorsky ».

Celebrating begins with the cultivation of the fire, the preparation of meat in the boiler and the round dance around the fire, because the fire cleans before fishing. Do you know that bonfires are different? « Nodya » – night smoldering fire for heating, « beepur » – regular bonfire for cooking.

Photo: Hunter's Festival « Inőralysyaslőn gazh »

After that, the most spectacular part of the – hunter competition comes. They compete in fomenting a fire, throwing a spear, shooting, making silos, boat crossing. The pedigree competition is interesting, each hunter must talk about his family, about the occupation of ancestors.

Traditionally, villagers and guests perform the Yerevan March – « Ylydzsa Marsh ». This choral dance appeared in the village at the beginning of the 20th century. Then they gathered the whole district on the banks of Ilych and started a round dance, which could last for hours. It played up to 60 different figures.

In addition to the competitions of hunters, the program of the holiday: children's competitions, master class « Ylydssa march », as well as master classes « Chesh, we are waiting, we are hiding », « Making comedians », « Shkur <TA, game « SHEG », « Making a bean amulet ». Guests will find the exhibition – installation « Bőr kerka » ( hunting hut ), an interactive tour of the village of Eremeevo, ethnic music concerts.

Photo: Hunter's Festival « Inőralysyaslőn gazh »

There is also the official part, where the development of the ethnic village of Yerevan is discussed in the round table format.

This village has its own interesting legend.

Once upon a time, five hunter brothers decided to find a worthy place where they could raise children and look after their parents. They sailed along the Ilych River, and the eldest Eremey chose a picturesque place on the high bank of the river. Eremya founded the village there, and the place was really good – taiga air and clean water cast out ailments, and there was a lot of game around.

Sons were born to Jeremiah, and those had their own sons, and all of them became glorious hunters supplying the furry of the king-father. The descendants of the Eremeev clan knew many secrets. Before going to the taiga, men made a fire, cooked meat in the boiler and poured a treat for everyone. Hunters paired with friends performed ritual dances at the fire. Many treasured words were uttered secretly, believed in signs.

Photo: Hunter's Festival « Inőralysyaslőn gazh »

So they lived for more than two hundred years, and then a holiday appeared glorifying hunting. And to this day, this holiday is celebrated in the village of Eremeevo, where the descendants of glorious hunters live.

1998