Generous evening, Shchedrets (13/01)

After Korochun’s power weakened and a new Sun began to emerge on Slavic soil, the Slavs celebrated one of the most beloved periods of the year — Great Winter Christmastide.

The Great Winter Christmastide or, as they were also called, the Great Veles Christmastide lasted twelve days — from December 26 to January 6, old style. Christmastide was divided into two six-day parts — light and dark. The first part of Christmastide was completed by a Generous Evening or Shchedrets, which fell on December 31 according to the old style, according to the new — it is January 13th.

Since ancient times, a large festive feast was held on this day, and generous songs (generous songs) were heard everywhere. Among the abundant holiday treats there was certainly a place for pork dishes. People believed that pork dishes symbolized a rich harvest and fertility.

Before the generous feast, as usual, it was necessary to amuse the people with generosity. The composition of the mummers remained the same as it was on Kolyada.

Carolers approached the house or people gathered on the street and sang: «Generous evening! Good evening!».

Then the carolers began to simmer « carols», that is, beg guests from the owners, complaining that « came from distant», « goats’ legs hurt»...

The hosts resisted and laughed it off. Then the mummers began singing generosity, some of which contained comic threats.

It was considered a great shame not to give gifts to carolers. Mummers sent such greedy owners «damn »:

«Have them, Svarozhe, on the back and on the face. Smash them, Father Perun! An empty bag for them, a leaky pot!».



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