SABANTUY

SABANTUY, traditional national holiday of Bashkirs. Until the end of the 19th century, it was held in the spring­summer period before plowing after Kargatuy, later – after the completion of sowing works. Traditionally S. was held in every aul, the residents of neighbouring villages were also invited. The day before, young men collected prizes for S. and food to treat guests. A festive square (Maidan) was decorated on the clearing near the village. In the morning, men held public praying near the graves of their ancestors, asking for abundant harvest and making good wishes. In some places the holiday began with the performance of rituals, symbolizing fer­ tilization of the earth (ploughed the first furrow, sowed). Horse races were held in the afternoon: riders raced around the hill, which was supposed to facilitate rapid growth and ripening of the crop. The winner was the racer who first tore away the white scarf, tied to the pole, em­ broidered by the youngest married woman. Ethnic games were also held. The participants of the festival competed in the performance of folk songs, dances, playing kurai, kubyz and other folk musical instruments. S. ended with a general festive meal that consisted of bishbarmak, kazy and other dishes of the Bashkir cuisine. The holiday contributed to the preservation of the unity of the Bashkir commu­ nity and to strengthening of inter­family ties. Since 1991, S. has held the status of a national holiday; from time to time it is also held in Moscow, St. Petersburg and in other parts of the Russian Federation, where there are Bashkir diasporas.

R.A. Sultangareyeva