Traditions of Tatarstan
Family relations of the Tatars developed in a complex way. Family based on old principles, with some elements of woman’s seclusion, traditionally dominated. The wedding and birth of a child were the most significant family events. The wedding through courtship was most widespread. The choice of a bride was made by groom’s parents, then the matchmaker was sent. After the agreements, bride’s relatives began to prepare for the wedding. A day before the wedding, groom’s 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 joyful 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 times: “Let your precious name be … “. Each visitor is given 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), bride’s dowry (birne), religious ceremony of wedding (nikah) and others -remain bright and interesting to our days. Ceremonies and holidays express the emotional and aesthetic life of the people. Celebratory culture of the Tatars traditionally included both religious (Kurban-bairam, Uraza-bairam, Ramadan) and secular holidays celebrated in a certain season. The calendar cycle of national holidays and ceremonies of the Tatar people begins with Nauruz celebrated 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 earliest 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 honour 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, horse riding etc The main distinctive element of Sabantuy is koras (Tatar wrestling) The winner gets alive ram. Muslim holidays were especially esteemed. Kurban-bairam is the most significant one. It is a holiday of sacrifice in memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s 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 distribute 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 Tatarstan’s calendar of public holidays. It is impossible 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 historical 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 aspiration to the future.
