Traditions of Tatarstan

Family dealings of the Tatars developed in a complex way. Family based on archaic principles, with some elements of womans seclusion, traditionally dominated. The marry and birth of a child were the some significant family events. The matrimony through courtship was almost widespread. The choice of a bride was made by grooms parents, then the matchmaker was sent. After the agreements, brides relatives began to prepare for the wedding. A day before the wedding, grooms parents sent ransom and gifts to the bride.During the wedding and at the wedding dinner, bridegrooms were absent, represented by their fathers. The birth of a child was a overjoyed event. Tatar enlightener and historian Kayum Nasyri describes this custom as follows When all guests arrive, the child is brought on a pillow to the mullah. He asks the parents how to name the child. The mullah prays, then repeats three time Let your precious name be . Each visitor is granted honey and oil. Being treated, he puts as much money on a tray, as he can.In some families, the wedding ceremonies ransom for the bride (kalym), brides dowry (birne), spectral ceremony of wedding (nikah) and others -remain bright and interest to our days. Ceremonies and holidays express the emotional and aesthetic breeding of the tidy sum. Celebratory culture of the Tatars traditionally included both religious (Kurban-bairam, Uraza-bairam, Ramadan) and secular holidays observe in a certain season. The schedule cycle of national holidays and ceremonies of the Tatar citizenry begins with Nauruz storeyed on the day of the spring.It symbolizes updating Nauruz was followed by the time of spring sowing the most beautiful season, when the Sabantui festival was arranged. Its history is as old as our people. The earlier evidences of Sabantui are dated of 921. Preparation to the holiday started two weeks in advance. Sabantui is traditionally celebrated. Sabantuy is one of the most ancient national holidays. It is celebrated in prise of the spring sowing. It is the most favorite holiday among people .Maydan is the culmination of the holiday, where people compete in bags jumping, pot braking with closed eyes, pulling of a rope, cater riding etc The main distinctive element of Sabantuy is koras (Tatar wrestling) The winner gets alive ram. Moslem holidays were especially esteemed. Kurban-bairam is the most significant one. It is a holiday of sacrifice in memory of Prophet Ibrahims willingness sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah. Kurban Bairam is a religious holiday of a sacrifice.It begins in 70 days after Ramazan and lasts for 3 days. Each Moslem must kill a ram and permeate its meat among poor people Uraza-bairam is celebrated at the end of a 30-day fast in Ramadan. Having tried sweets in the morning, Muslims go to the mosque, and in the evening arrange the family feast. Since 1992 two religious holidays Kurban-bairam and Christmas are included in Tatarstans calendar of public holidays. It is i mpossible to imagine cultural life of Kazan without the Day of the City, which is celebrated on August 30.On this day, cities and villages of the republic flourish, all multinational Tatarstan people get together to see the festival open-air performance with historic customs and traditions, horse races, national wrestling, ensembles of ancient instruments and folklore groups performances. The holiday is ended with a big colorful firework. The Republic of Tatarstan enjoys the richest traditional and cultural heritage. Today the life of Republic combines both ancient traditions and the present. It is a memory of the past and breathing in to the future.