HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS traditional, celebrations, dedicated to a significant day or event. There are traditional and official holidays (ref. Holidays and commemorative days). Нinclude Calendar days related to household activities (completion of sowing works, harvesting, etc), and Muslim holidays, which became popular after the adoption of Islam. Often, wedding celebrations were timed with calendar H. The Bashkirs H. were formed in the conditions of semi‑nomadic and cattle breeding household and culture (ref. Eco­ nomy), as well as historical traditions. H. facilitated the establishment and preservation of links among families (ref. Bashkir tribal organization). Participation of the representatives of different generations in them symbolized unity of the family or community and the continuation of the family. The calendar‑based H. of the Bashkirs were held in the spring and summer period (ref. Sabantuy). The elements of H. are also traced in the customs of mutual assistance which took place mostly in the autumn‑winter time (grain festival, kaz umahe, slaughter of cattle, etc); nardugan was held during the summer and winter solstice. H. are accompanied by folk songs, dances, rituals, wishes, competitions (baige, kuresh, archery, etc) and folk games, cooking ceremonial food of the Bashkir cuisine, joint meal, sometimes sacrifices. People decorated their homes for H. (ref. Traditional interior design) and wore festive clothes (ref. Bashkir costume), received guests, participated in all festive events, etc. Bashkir. H. reflect the religious views, economic and cultural traditions of the people.