Interesting traditions of the Circassians. Wedding traditions of the Circassians
Subject (focus):
Adyghe language and literature.Children's age: 5-8 grades.
Location: Class.
Target:
1. Introduce students to the Adyghe culture.
2. Instill love for your homeland, the Adyghe language.
3.Teaching students high moral qualities of personality and etiquette standards behavior.
Equipment and materials: Slide presentation « Customs and traditions of the Circassians" (slide contents - in Appendix 1); fragments for listening: Adyghe folk melodies and songs.
Progress of the lesson
Teacher: Why do we need etiquette? Probably so as not to think. Do not rack your brains, wondering what to do in this or that case, but maintain inner confidence in any situation. The ability to behave instills in us a sense of self-esteem and self-respect. They say that the hardest thing to remain an educated person is when you are alone with yourself. It's all too easy to fall into the temptation of careless behavior. In the 17th century, at one of the magnificent receptions of the French king Louis, 14 guests were given cards listing the rules of behavior required of them. From French name cards - “etiquette” - and the word “etiquette” came about, which later entered the languages of many countries around the world.
Teacher:
And what rules of etiquette and traditions are sung about in the song “This is the custom of the Circassians”?
Let's sing this song.
Teacher:
What etiquette rules and traditions are mentioned in the song?
“Is this the custom of the Circassians?”
Etiquette covers the manner and clothing of people, the ability to behave politely and tactfully, the ability to behave at the table, and to be hospitable.
What proverbs and sayings do you know about hospitality?
Many European authors who visited the Circassians wrote about the hospitality of the Circassians:
1 student:
Giorgio Interiano in the 15th century noted that the Circassians “have a custom of hospitality and to receive everyone with the greatest cordiality.”
Giovanni Lucca wrote about the Circassians in the 17th century that “there is no kinder or more hospitable people in the world who accept foreigners.”
“Hospitality,” noted two centuries later K. F. Stahl, “is one of the most important virtues of the Circassians...”
“The memory of former hospitality has been preserved in legends... Despite all the disasters and political upheavals, this virtue has not weakened to this day,” wrote Sh. Nogmov in the first half of the 19th century.
Gardanov V.K. writes: “The right is absolutely stranger to stay as a guest in any house and the unconditional duty of the owner to provide him with the most cordial welcome and provide everything he needs - this is what primarily characterized the custom of hospitality among the Circassians.”
“In Circassia,” noted Khan-Girey, “a traveler, tormented by hunger, thirst and fatigue, finds hospitable shelter everywhere: the owner of the house where he is staying welcomes him cordially and, not knowing him at all, makes every possible effort to calm him down.” , without even asking who he is, where he is coming from or why, delivers everything he needs.
2nd student:
The guest was a sacred person for the owner, who was obliged to treat him, protect him from insults and was ready to sacrifice his life for him, even if he were a criminal or his blood enemy.” And further: “...Every traveling Circassian stopped where night overtook him, but he preferred to stay with a friend, and, moreover, a person who was not there, it would be too burdensome to treat the visitor.
The owner, hearing from afar about the guest's arrival, hurried to meet him and held the stirrup as he dismounted from his horse. In the eyes of every Circassian there were no such actions and services that could humiliate the owner in front of the guest, no matter how great the difference in their social status. As soon as the guest got off his horse, the owner, first of all, took off his gun and led him into the kunatskaya, indicating a place there, lined with carpets and pillows, in the most honorable corner of the room. Here they removed all other weapons from the visitor, which they used to hang in the kunatskaya or take to the owner’s house. The last circumstance had a double meaning among the Circassians: either that the owner, out of friendship, took upon himself full responsibility for the safety of the guest in his house, or that, not knowing him, he did not really trust him.
Having sat down in a place of honor, the visitor, as is usual among the Circassians, spent some time in deep silence. The host and the guest, if they were strangers, examined each other with great attention. After remaining silent for several moments, the visitor inquired about the health of the owner, but considered it indecent to ask about his wife and children. On the other hand, the Circassians considered it a violation of the rules of hospitality to bombard the guest with questions: where did he come from, where and why was he going; the guest, if he wished, could remain incognito. The owner asked him about his health only if the visitor was familiar to him, otherwise he asked this question no earlier than the guest announced his name. In the period of time, before dinner, it was considered indecent to leave a guest alone, and therefore the host’s neighbors came to him one after another with greetings. The initiative for every business came from the guest. He began a conversation and asked those present to sit down, they at first refused, considering it indecent to sit in the presence of a guest, but then the older ones yielded to the second request and sat down, and the younger ones stood around the room. During the conversation, according to custom, the guest addressed himself exclusively to respectable persons or elders, and little by little the conversation became general. The public interests of the country, internal events, information about peace or war, the exploits of some prince, the arrival of ships on the Circassian shores and other subjects worthy of attention formed the content of the conversation and were the only source, from which all Circassian news and information were drawn.
The most subtle decency was observed in the conversation, giving the Circassians an appearance of nobility or decency when communicating with each other. The appearance of servants or the owner's sons, or his neighbors with a washstand and basin for washing their hands, served as a sign that dinner was ready. After washing, small tables on three legs were brought into the kunatskaya. These tables are known among the Circassians under the name ane (Iane).
Teacher:
How do you understand the word “kunatskaya”?
3rd student:
The Circassians were always extremely moderate in food: they ate little and rarely, especially during campaigns and movements. “Sadness of the stomach,” says the proverb, “is easily forgotten, but not soon - only heartache.” The food was served clean and tidy. The Circassians ate milk with wooden spoons, drank beef broth or broth from wooden cups, and ate everything else with their hands. The ram slaughtered for the guest was boiled in a cauldron entirely, with the exception of the head, legs and liver, and, surrounded by these accessories, seasoned with brine, it was served on one of the tables. The next dish also consisted of boiled lamb, cut into pieces, between which there was a stone cup with spikes - sour milk, seasoned with garlic, pepper, salt; The natives dipped lamb into this brine. Then, in order and dignity, came chetlibzh - chicken seasoned with onions, peppers, and butter; they put pasta on the table... For Chetlibzhe - again sour milk, with pieces of boiled lamb's head, cheesecakes with cottage cheese, cottage cheese pies, pilaf, shish kebab, fried lamb with honey, loose millet with sour cream, sweet pies. At the end of dinner they brought a cauldron with very delicious soup, which was poured into wooden cups with ears and served to guests. Wine, beer, buza or arak and, finally, kumiss were part of every dinner. The number of dishes, depending on the importance of the guest and the state of the host, was sometimes quite significant. So, in 1827, the Natukhai elder Deshenoko-Temirok, treating the English seraskir Hassan Pasha who visited him, served him one hundred and twenty dishes at dinner. They sat down to dinner according to dignity and significance; summers played a very important role in this matter. Summer in the Circassian community was always placed above any rank; a young man of the highest origin was obliged to stand in front of each old man, without asking his name and showing respect to his gray hair, to give him a place of honor, which was of very great importance in the reception of the Circassians.
Teacher:
4 student:
When the eldest stopped eating, everyone sitting at the same table with him also stopped eating, and the table was passed on to secondary visitors, and passed on from them until it was completely empty, because the Circassian did not save for another day what was once prepared. and served. What the guests did not eat was taken out of the kunatskaya and distributed in the courtyard to a crowd of children and onlookers who came running to each such treat. After dinner, they swept and brought the washbasin again, and this time they served a small piece of soap on a special plate. Having wished the guest peace, everyone left, except the owner, who remained there until the guest asked him to calm down as well.
To create the greatest comfort and peace for the guest, the Circassians had a special guest house - khyakIeshch (literally: a place for a guest), known in translated literature as kunatskaya. KhyakIesh was built in the most convenient location estates, that is, away from the owners’ homes, closer to the gate. There was always a stable or hitching post next to the guest house. If the guest arrived on a horse, then he did not have to worry about him. The owners will do everything that is necessary: they will unsaddle the horse, feed and water it, take it to a fenced pasture, and in bad weather they will keep it in a special room. In the Adyghe family, it was customary to save all the best for guests. So the kunatskaya - hyakIeshch was the most comfortable room, furnished the best part owners' property. Here, tables were required - tripods, called “Iane” by the Circassians, a bed with a set of clean bed linen, carpets, mats. And weapons were hung on the walls, musical instruments. So, the eldest greeted the guest, the younger ones took care of the horse or bulls with the cart, the women did household chores. If the guest turned out to be older in age, the owner occupied the left side, accompanying him to the kunatskaya. Inviting a guest to the house, the owner indicated the direction with his right hand and, walking slightly ahead, walked as if sideways. At the very entrance, the owner slowed down, letting the guest go forward. And the guest had to come with right leg, thereby symbolizing the bringing of happiness to this house.
Teacher:
Why is “Iane” depicted on the coat of arms of Adygea?
5th student:
So, having escorted him to the hyakIeshch, they helped him remove outerwear, weapons and were seated in a place of honor. If he wanted, he could remain completely incognito, and asking who he was, where he was from and where he was going was considered indecent. The guest could be questioned only after three days. And then the owner did not allow himself to touch upon topics that were unpleasant to the guest or ask ambiguous questions. During the conversation, they did not interrupt, did not ask again, did not ask clarifying questions, did not argue with them, even if they were wrong or were mistaken in something. The guest had to be able to listen carefully and interestedly. It was not allowed to speak in an unknown language in front of a guest. It is no coincidence that the Englishman James Bell
wrote: “From all that I have seen, I look upon the Circassians en masse as the most naturally polite people that I have ever known or about which I have ever read.” The ability of the hosts to conduct a conversation, keep the guest occupied, as well as the ability on the part of the guest to adequately support the conversation that had begun and continue it was considered good manners of behavior.
In the house where the guest is staying, peace and order should reign: in the presence of guests, they did not clean the room, did not sweep, did not fuss. Treats in honor of the guest were prepared so that it was unnoticed by him. In the house they spoke calmly, without nervousness or bickering, they tried to walk more quietly and not stomp their feet. Supervision was organized over the children so that they did not indulge in unnecessary pranks. The best bed, the best food, the best place at the table is for the guest. The daughters-in-law of the family, and if they were not there, younger daughters Helped guests wash and clean their clothes. Giovanni Lucca recalled that in the Adyghe house they not only cared about the cleanliness of clothes, but were also very attentive. And he exclaimed in delight: “There are no people in the world that are kinder than this or more welcoming to foreigners.”
Any national etiquette in in a broad sense words can probably be regarded as a national everyday system of views and norms of behavior. The feast is precisely the case when all these qualities find their concentrated expression. Reception of guests was never limited to a feast. The most important integral part Receiving and serving guests was considered to be the hosts' concern for their entertainment. For this purpose, dances were organized in hyakIesh, various games, songs were sung, etc. And for a particularly distinguished guest, horse racing, horse riding, target shooting, national wrestling, and sometimes hunting were organized. Seeing off guests was also arranged very solemnly. Almost the entire household gathered. Each guest was helped to dress and mount the horse, holding the horse by the bridle and holding the left stirrup. The young people did it. Usually gifts were given to the guest. It was imperative to escort him beyond the gates of the estate, and more often to the outskirts of the village. When the guest left the hospitable house, he mounted his horse and, turning to face the house, said: (“All the best! May we meet on a good occasion!”). They wanted the same thing in return.
Teacher:
What did the Circassians treat the guest with?
What Adyghe dishes do you know?
Dairy? What is Adygea famous for?
Adyghe cheese. Poem by Nekhai Ruslan “Adyghe cheese”
Teacher: If you solve the crossword puzzle correctly, you will find the hidden word.
1. Drink.
2. A dish of nuts.
3. Adyghe sauce.
4. Beetroot drink.
5. Dough product (flatbread).
6. Dough product.
7. Mamalyga.
8. Homemade sausage.
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| G | |||||||||
| uh | |||||||||
| I | |||||||||
| A | |||||||||
| n | |||||||||
2. deshhoshow
3. pinches
4. gynyplyps
5. shchelam
6. I epeeschek I
7. p I aste
8. nekul
| 1.къ | A | l | m | uh | k | sch | A | th | |
| 2.d | uh | w | X | O | w | O | at | ||
| 3.sch | s | P | With | s | |||||
| 4.g | s | n | s | P | l | s | P | With | |
| 5.sch | uh | l | A | m | |||||
| 6.I | uh | P | uh | e | sch | uh | To I | ||
| 7.p I | A | With | T | uh | |||||
| 8.n | uh | ku | l | ||||||
Teacher: Our lesson has come to an end. We talked to you about etiquette - a kind of set of rules of conduct between people. Everyone is free to choose for themselves whether to comply with its requirements or not. But if you want to make a good impression on people, you cannot do without knowing the rules of good manners. And we hope that our event today helped you find answers to many questions about the customs and traditions of the Circassians.
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Magazine “Literary Adygea” No. 1.2-1996, No. 2, 3, 4.5-2002.
Conversation on the topic:
"Traditions and customs of the Circassians."
Goals of the conversation:
- Talk about the traditions and customs of the Adyghe people.
- Shape moral qualities: respect for elders, modesty, politeness, etc.
Progress of the conversation:
- Organizing time.
- Teacher's story "Traditions and customs of the Circassians."
Each nation has its own customs and traditions, which have been formed over thousands of years and passed on from generation to generation. The Adyghe people also have many of them.
One of the most best traditions Circassians - a tradition of respect for elders. The tradition of respect for elders is instilled in children from the very beginning. early childhood. In the presence of elders, young people should behave modestly, with all their appearance expressing attention, respect, and readiness to carry out any assignment. They should not keep their hands in their pockets, stand half-bent, sit slumped, turn their backs to others, fidget in their chair, or scratch the back of their heads. In the language, there are special polite and modest forms of addressing elders to express gratitude to them.
3. Teacher’s story “Old Men’s Rock.”
This rock rises like a gloomy wall above the mountain river Ashe. It is called that for a reason. In ancient times, the Shapsug tribe that lived here had a cruel custom - to kill the elderly, who became people for the family and useless for the tribe. Trusting in the will of Allah, the old people were thrown off the cliff by their own children. The rock chosen for this was called the rock of the old men.
At that time, Shapsug Tahir lived in one of the villages. He was once the most fearless son of the tribe. And he had a son, Kazbek, who took care of him. Soon Tahir became very old and became so weak that he could not properly care for himself.
“It’s time to go to the rock of the old men,” the people of the tribe said about him.
But Kazbek loved his father very much.
“I’ll hide you in that cave over there,” Kazbek suggested. “I will come to you with food, and return from you with advice.” And in the village let them think that I threw you off the cliff. So they did.
Every year youth competitions were held in the village. And thanks to his father, Kazbek won all competitions. And when the bashi-bazouks attacked the village, Tahir told Kazbek how to defeat the enemies. And the village was saved.
When, at the celebrations on the occasion of the victory, young Kazbek was called the savior of the tribe, he was embarrassed and replied:
I'm not your savior. Everything I did, I did on the advice of my father Tahir. The years he has lived have made him a treasure trove of experience and wisdom.
And since then, they stopped throwing old people off the cliff into the abyss, and surrounded them with respect and honor.
4. Acquaintance with the custom of hospitality.
The custom of hospitality dates back to ancient times. Each nation brought its own specifics to this custom. Adyghe hospitality is distinguished by its unusual sophistication. It applies to all Circassians, regardless of their condition. The guest is a sacred, inviolable person; it is believed that he brings happiness and prosperity with him. It is the duty of every Adyghe to invite into the house those who need food and shelter.
The right of hospitality is enjoyed by both old and young, rich and poor, man and woman, friend and enemy. Guests from distant lands are held in highest esteem.
Next to the residential building, each family builds a special house - kunatskaya. The doors of the kunatskaya are open at any time of the day or night.
The sacred duty of the owner is to protect the peace and protect the guest. It is customary to give gifts to the most honored guests. A guest leaving the house is escorted to the edge of the aul and wishes him a happy journey.
5. Reading and discussion of the poem “About Guests.”
About the guests.
They say that in the Circassian's house
The room was special.
For her, Circassian, as for songs
He did not spare the warmth.
Old people probably still remember:
Wonderful carpets hung in it.
Only this is the best of the rooms -
Still empty for the time being.
But it’s not for nothing that there are household members in the house
Every day they took care of her, -
Guests may not even knock
Its door is open for guests.
Come in, friend, stranger,
Having overcome a multi-day journey!
Guest Adyghe is a holiday at home,
So, you can rest, traveler!
Start your story about the capitals,
And start the story about the villages...
We should learn from the Circassians
An ancient custom now.
How the alarming world would change,
A world with tight veins of roads,
If every heart were given
The best corner for guests.
L. Sorokin.
6. “If a child is born” is a custom associated with the birth of a child.
When a child is born in a family, the news spreads throughout the village. A tree is planted in honor of this event. When a boy is born, a nut is often planted; if a girl is born, an apple tree is planted.
When the baby takes his first steps, a celebration is held in the house.
To find out what profession the child will be, they offer him various items and toys. If a child chooses an accordion, he will be a musician, if a thermometer - a doctor, if a hammer - a carpenter, a book - a writer or poet. According to custom, on this day guests, relatives and neighbors give gifts to the baby.
7. Reading and discussion of the poem by K. Janet “This is the custom of the Circassians.”
The Circassians have this custom.
If somewhere among young people
The gray-haired Adyghe is speaking,
Don't you dare interrupt him,
Respect his gray-haired age, -
The Circassians have this custom.
Yes Yes Yes! Yes Yes Yes!
The Circassians have this custom.
If a guest knocks at the door, -
Open your heart to the guest.
And give half the house away for a while,
And treat him to chitlibzh,
And give me spring water to drink, -
This is the custom of the Circassians!
Yes Yes Yes! Yes Yes Yes!
This is the custom of the Circassians!
If you are building a new house, -
The whole village helps with labor.
You alone do not lift the log,
And for everyone it’s like a feather.
The house above the river will rise joyfully,
The Circassians have this custom.
Yes Yes Yes! Yes Yes Yes!
This is the custom of the Circassians!
If a daughter or son is born,
Citizen of our glorious country, -
You press him gently to your chest,
And plant a tree in the garden,
In honor of the one who disturbed the peace, -
This is the custom of the Circassians!
Bye - bye, bye - bye,
Bye - bye, my baby, go to sleep.
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, this is the custom of the Circassians.
8. Introduction to the ethical program “Adyghe Khabze”.
As a basis for the education of a citizen of Adygea, it is necessary to take the moral laws of “Adyge khabze”, which have absorbed best qualities character of the Adyghe people, for whom high ethical principles have always been the norm of behavior. “Adyghe Khabze” is an oral cultural monument that designed a model of behavior that any Circassian who wants to maintain a spiritual and material connection with their ancestors must adhere to. This program can rightly be a program of social education and life activity of all citizens living in the Republic of Adygea.
Let's get acquainted with the basic principles of the “Adyghe Khabze” program.
Veneration of antiquity.Should have respect for parents, especially in their old age. Remember that they gave you life and that you are their flesh and blood.
Institute of seniority.It presupposes well-deserved respect for wisdom and justice; this is the ancient living law of the Circassians with the distribution of rights and responsibilities in society.
Man. According to the Adyghe canons, he was endowed with such qualities as courage, restraint, nobility in Everyday life. A man is responsible for the material well-being of the family and children of his family who are left orphans. A man is an example for children.
Woman. Creates home comfort, raises sons to become men and future fathers, and daughters to become women and future mothers.
Children. They are obliged to respect their elders, and as they grow older, to become more independent, turning their attention to helping their aging parents.
Good and evil. Man is given reason to distinguish between good and evil. It is necessary to do good without demanding gratitude in return.
Warfare. Being a warrior can become a profession for an Adyghe; this guarantees peace.
Cult of beauty and harmony.Worship beauty and honor it. Beauty is harmony. Strive for it in everything.
Beauty from God is the beauty of a woman.
The beauty we are surrounded by is nature.
The beauty that we create ourselves is the beauty of relationships between people.
Virtue. Don't boast about your abilities. Don't chase bad fame. An Adyg who has achieved strength and self-confidence will not boast of his achievements. It is necessary to despise deception and subservience to the strongest. Clear mind, firmness in convictions will always show the right path.
The laws of “Adyghe khabze” show a person the path to the improvement of virtue and contribute to the establishment of harmonious relationships between people.
9. Summing up.
Maykop, December 25 - AiF-Adygea. Many centuries ago, people's lives were full of many rituals. One of the most colorful rituals, of course, was and remains the wedding. Among the Circassians, it took place in several stages.
In the beginning, as is customary throughout the world, there was matchmaking. This mission was carried out by the eldest of the groom’s family - an uncle on the maternal side and three or four men on the paternal side. The matchmakers agreed on three visits with the family of the prospective bride. If after three visits the guests were never set the table and were not promised to give an answer, then this was regarded as a refusal. If the families agreed, then preparations for the wedding began. All these rituals, including the wedding process itself, were stipulated in the unwritten etiquette of the Circassians “khabze”.
It happened that lovers were not allowed to marry. Then the groom could kidnap his bride, but only by agreement with her. If, after she was brought to the groom’s house, she left, this greatly spoiled her reputation young man, and given that for the Adyg his name was above all, it was like death.
Today, brides are often kidnapped - in most cases these are very young boys and girls, and many of them create good and strong families.
You have to fight for happiness
At the first stage of the wedding, about fifty horsemen, led by the groom, came to pick up the bride from home. At the same time, they were prevented from passing and various obstacles were created. For about three days, the guests lived in the bride's house, where they also tried to unbalance them with various provocations, thereby testing the patience of the groom and his entourage. When leaving with his future wife, the groom gave his mother-in-law a horse, and the newlyweds went to the relatives of their future husband. Moreover, when he was taking the bride away, the village residents did not allow their cortege to pass peacefully and could attack the horsemen with stakes. It happened that horses or even people were killed. Her relative was with the bride all the time - a young guy who protected her and made sure that everyone treated her well. Approaching the groom's house, the cortege was again not allowed to enter freely.
Such cruel rituals were explained by the fact that in both clans, when creating a new union, there was a reluctance, in one case, to give their daughter to strangers, and in the other, to accept someone else’s woman.
Wedding today
However, even in our time, a wedding is stressful for all its participants. And often in a fit of emotions various incidents occur. But still, a wedding is always a joyful event, and an orderly series beautiful cars, moving slowly and dignifiedly through the city is one of the most mesmerizing sights. Young men and women today are proud of their customs, and many weddings are held in a traditional style.
Traditional wedding ceremonies are very beautiful. Especially when the bride is brought to new house, in which she was not, and then taken out into the yard to the guests. I also really like it when brides wear national dresses - “sai”. Moreover, now they are sewn so beautifully. This is our culture, our priorities, and I would also like my wedding to have such beautiful rituals,” said MSTU student Darina Khoretleva.
Interethnic marriages are also frequent, when entire cultures unite and a new interpretation of wedding rituals appears, when each party brings its own flavor to the common holiday.
So that fate is like silk
When the bride found herself in the groom's courtyard, a path made of silk fabric was laid out in front of her, and she entered the house. A specially prepared room was allocated for the newlyweds, in which the bride could stay from one month to a year, or even more. During her stay there, she did not do household chores, but received guests and gifts. The more respect shown to the girl, the longer she stayed in this room.
The groom hid with his friend until all issues regarding the payment of the bride price and the wedding were resolved. Modern weddings have retained elements of ancient customs, so today brides are led into the house along a path, paid a bride price for it and allocated a special room, but all this is done in a shorter time.
Oh this wedding...!
The most eventful day was “nyseshejegu” - a wedding celebration with dancing, games, rituals of the grandmother leaving home, bringing the bride into big house and to the kitchen. In honor of the wedding, horse races could be held. The wedding began and ended with a round dance. All festivities lasted up to three days, princely weddings could last up to nine days. As before, at modern weddings there is a special host “jaguako” - the “player”. In his hands he holds a symbol of power - a hazelnut stick, and directs the entire course of the event according to the traditional plan.
A wedding is a complex set of rituals and a great test for the newlyweds. But first of all, it is a beautiful ritual through which people tell the whole world about their love.
Adygeis have always been considered trendsetters: men were called “aristocrats of the mountains”, and girls “Frenchwomen of the Caucasus”, since the latter youth started wearing corsets. Adyghe women were considered the most beautiful and desirable wives, and men were considered the best warriors. By the way, even today the personal guard of the King of Jordan consists exclusively of representatives of this brave and proud nation.
Name
There are many myths and disputes around the name “Adyghe”, and all because it is actually a fictitious Soviet years a name created to divide the Caucasian peoples along territorial lines. Since ancient times, in the territory of modern residence of the Circassians, Circassians and Kabardians, there lived a single people who called themselves “Adyghe”. The origin of this word has not been fully established, although there is a version that it is translated as “children of the sun.”
After October revolution the authorities divided the territories of the Circassians into smaller regions in order to weaken the power of a single people by including different subethnic groups into the new regions.
- Adygea included the peoples living on the territory of the Kuban, and later the mountainous regions and the city of Maykop.
- Kabardino-Balkaria was inhabited mainly by Adyghe-Kabardians.
- The Karachay-Cherkess region included the Besleneev Adygs, similar in cultural and linguistic features with Kabardians.
Where they live and numbers
Starting from Soviet times, the Adyghe people began to be considered a separate people, which served to separate them from the Circassians and Kabardians. According to the results of the 2010 census, about 123,000 people in Russia consider themselves Adyghe. Of these, 109.7 thousand people live in the Republic of Adygea, 13.8 thousand live in the Krasnodar Territory, mainly in the coastal regions of Sochi and Lazarevsky.
Circassian genocide during civil war led to significant migration of representatives of the nationality and the formation of large Adyghe diasporas abroad. Among them:
- in Turkey - about 3 million people
- in Syria - 60,000 people
- in Jordan - 40,000 people
- in Germany - 30,000 people
- in the USA - 3,000 people
- in Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Israel - 2-3 national villages
Language
Despite the presence of dialects, all Adyghe speak the same language, which belongs to the Abkhaz-Adyghe language group. Writing has existed among the people since ancient times, as evidenced by the surviving written monuments: Maikop slab and Makhoshkushkha petroglyphs dating back to the 9th-8th centuries BC. By the 16th century it was lost; starting from the 18th century, it was replaced by analogues based on Arabic writing. The modern alphabet based on the Cyrillic alphabet appeared in 1937, but it was finally established only by 1989.
Story
The ancestors of the Adyghe were the oldest population of the Caucasus, which, interacting with neighboring peoples, formed the tribes of the Achaeans, Kerkets, Zikhs, Meots, Torets, Sinds, who occupied the Black Sea coast and the Krasnodar region at the end of the first millennium BC.
At the beginning of the new era, one of the oldest states in the region, Sindika, was located here. Even the famous king Mithridates was afraid to pass through its territory: he had heard a lot about the fearlessness and courage of the local warriors. Despite the feudal fragmentation that followed, the Circassians managed to maintain independence from the Golden Horde, although their territories were subsequently plundered by Tamerlane.
The Circassians maintained friendly and partnership relations with the Russians starting from the 13th century. However, during the Caucasian wars, the authorities began a policy of capturing and subjugating all the peoples living here, which led to numerous clashes and genocide Circassian people.
Appearance
The vast majority of the nationality belongs to the Pontic anthropological type appearance. Some representatives have features of the Caucasian type. The distinctive features of the appearance of the Adyghe people include:
- average or high growth;
- a strong athletic figure with broad shoulders for men;
- slim figure with a thin waist in women;
- straight and dense hair of dark brown or black color;
- dark color eye;
- significant hair growth;
- straight nose with a high bridge;
Cloth
The national Circassian costume has become a symbol of the people. For men, it consists of a shirt, loose pants and a cherkeska: a fitted caftan with a diamond-shaped neckline. Gazyrs were sewn on the chest on both sides: special pockets in which at first they stored gunpowder measured in quantity for firing, and then only bullets. This made it possible to quickly reload the weapon even while riding.
The older generation had long sleeves, while the younger generation had narrow sleeves, so as not to interfere with combat. The color of the outfit was also important: the princes wore Circassian coats white, nobles - red, peasants - gray, black and brown. A replacement for the Circassian coat was a beshmet: a caftan similar in cut, but without a cutout and with a stand-up collar. In cold weather, the suit was complemented by a burka - a long fur coat made of sheep's fur.
Women's outfits were even more colorful. Rich Circassian women specially purchased velvet and silk for sewing dresses, the poor were content with woolen material. The cut of the dress emphasized the waist: it was tight-fitting top part figure and expanded greatly towards the bottom thanks to the use of wedges. The outfit was decorated with an exquisite leather belt with silver or gold jewelry. A low cap was put on the head, and after marriage and the birth of a child it was replaced with a scarf.
Men
An Adyghe man is, first of all, a brave and fearless warrior. From early childhood, boys were taught to wield a knife, dagger, bow and arrow. Every young man was required to breed horses and be able to ride well in the saddle. Since ancient times, Circassian warriors were considered the best, so they often acted as mercenaries. The guard of the King and Queen of Jordan still consists exclusively of representatives of this nation and continues to wear national costumes in service.
From childhood, men were taught restraint and modesty in everyday desires: they had to be able to live in any conditions. It was believed that the best pillow for them was a saddle, and the best blanket was a burqa. Therefore, men did not sit at home: they were always on hikes or doing household chores.
Among other qualities of the Adyghe people, it is worth noting perseverance, determination, strong character, and perseverance. They are easily inspired and do everything to achieve their goals. They have a highly developed sense of self-esteem, respect for their land and traditions, so when communicating with them it is worth showing restraint, tact and respect.
Women
Since ancient times, not only legends, but also poems have been written about the beauty of Circassian women. For example, in the poem “Cherkeshenka” the poet Konstantin Balmont compares a beautiful girl with a “thin lily”, “a gentle weeping willow”, “a young poplar” and a “Hindu bayadera”, but at the end he notes:
“I would like to compare you... But the game of comparisons is perishable.
For it is too obvious: You are incomparable among women.”
From the age of twelve, the girl began to wear a corset. He provided correct posture, flexible mill, thin waist and a flat chest: these external qualities were highly valued not only by fellow tribesmen, but also by foreigners. First wedding night the groom cut off the corset with a knife; a married lady was not supposed to wear it. Luxurious long hair: girls braided them or did other hairstyles, and married women had to hide them under a scarf.
All the peoples of Eurasia sought to have a Circassian wife or concubine. Princess Kuchenei, the daughter of the famous prince from the Temryukov dynasty, entered history: she became the wife of Ivan the Terrible and received the name Maria Temryukovna. During the slave trade, Adyghe women were sold at twice the price of others: it was prestigious to have them in a harem for their beauty, handicraft skills, pleasant manners of communication and behavior.
From childhood, Adyghe girls were taught handicrafts, rules of etiquette, modesty, and were instilled with a sense of self-esteem. Women played an important role in society, they were respected and revered, despite the patriarchal structure and the practice of Islam. It was forbidden to smoke, swear, quarrel, or fight in front of women. Men of any age stood up at the sight of them, and the riders dismounted. Having met a lady in the field, on the road or just on the street, it was customary to offer her help if she needed it.
There was also a custom of giving gifts: men returning after a military campaign or a successful hunt gathered for a feast in the house of the most revered or desired woman, where they were obliged to bring her as a gift part of what they received in battle. If there was no such woman, gifts could be given to any Adyghe woman encountered along the way.
Family life
The Adyghe people have a traditional patriarchal family structure. At the same time, the role of women was much more important, and their position was freer than that of others. Caucasian peoples. Girls, just like boys, could participate in folk festivities and host boys: for this purpose, they even equipped separate rooms in rich houses.
This allowed us to take a closer look at opposite sex and find a mate: the bride’s opinion when choosing a groom was decisive, if it did not contradict the traditions and wishes of the parents. Weddings were rarely carried out by conspiracy or kidnapping without consent.
In ancient times, large families were common, numbering from 15 to 100 people, in which the head was the elder, the founder of the clan, or the most respected man. Since the 19th-20th centuries, priority has shifted to a small two-generation family. The main thing in resolving social issues was the husband; one could not contradict him or argue with him, especially in public. However, the woman was the main one in the house: she solved all household issues and raised children and girls.
In rich, especially princely families, atalyism was widespread. One or more sons from a wealthy family with early age were given to be raised by a less noble, but still influential family. The boy grew up in it until he was 16 years old, after which he returned to his father’s house. This strengthened the relationship between the clans and observed the tradition according to which the father was forbidden to become attached to his children and publicly express his feelings towards them.
Housing
The traditional dwelling of poor Adyghe people is a house made of rods coated with clay. Usually it consisted of one room, in the center of which there was a fireplace. According to tradition, it should never go out, as this promised misfortune to the family. Subsequently, additional rooms were added to the house for sons who got married and decided to stay with their parents.
Later, extensive estates gained popularity, with the main house in the center and outbuildings on the sides. In rich families separate dwellings on the territory of the courtyard they built for guests. Today this is rare, but every family tries to have a special room to accommodate travelers, relatives and guests.
Life
Traditional activities Adygeis - cattle breeding and agriculture. They planted mainly millet and barley, later corn and wheat were added. Cattle breeding was pasture; goats and sheep were bred, less often cows and yaks, and in mountainous areas - donkeys and mules. In the subsidiary farm they kept birds: chickens, ducks, geese and ducks.
Viticulture, gardening, and beekeeping were widespread. The vineyards were located on the coast, in the areas of modern Sochi and Vardan. There is a version that the name of the famous “Abrau-Durso” has Circassian roots and means the name of a lake and a mountain river with clean water.
The Adyghe crafts were poorly developed, but in one of them they succeeded much better than their neighbors. Since ancient times, the Adyghe tribes knew how to process metal: blacksmithing and blade making flourished in almost every village.
Women mastered the art of weaving fabric and were famous as excellent needlewomen. The skill of embroidery with gold threads using national ornaments, which included solar, plant and zoomorphic motifs, was especially valued. geometric shapes.
Religion
The Adyghe people went through three main periods of religious definition: paganism, Christianity and Islam. In ancient times, the Adyghe peoples believed in the unity of man and the cosmos, they thought that the earth was round, surrounded by forests, fields and lakes. For them there were three worlds: the upper one with the deities, the middle one where people lived, and the lower one where the dead went. The worlds were connected by a tree, which continues to play a sacred role to this day. So, after the birth of a grandson, in the first year of his life, the grandfather is obliged to plant a tree, which the child will subsequently care for.
The supreme deity of the Adyghe people was Tha, or Thasho, the creator of the world and its laws, who controls the course of life of people and all things. In some beliefs, the leading role of the god of lightning, similar to Perun or Zeus, is observed. They also believed in the existence of the souls of ancestors - Pse, who watch over their descendants. That is why throughout life it was important to observe all the laws of honor and conscience. Existed in ritual culture and individual patron spirits of fire, water, forest, and hunting.
Christian tradition indicates that Simon the Canaanite and Andrew the First-Called preached in the territories of Circassia and Abkhazia. However, Christianity was established in the Circassian region only in the 6th century, dominating here until the fall of Byzantium. Beginning in the 16th century, under the influence of the Ottoman sultans, Islam became widespread. By the 18th century, he rallied the entire population under the banners, becoming national idea during the struggle against colonialist policies Russian Empire during the Caucasian wars. Today, the majority of Adyghe people profess Sunni Islam.
Culture
Special role In the tradition of the Circassians, a dance was played that existed since ancient times and was considered the soul of the people. A popular couples dance is the lyrical Islamey, in which a man, like a proud eagle, soars in a circle, and a modest but proud girl responds to his advances. More rhythmic and simpler is uj, which is usually danced in groups at weddings and during folk festivals.
Wedding traditions
Wedding traditions Adyghe people are still largely preserved to this day. Often the girl chose the groom, hinting to him of her desire to start a family with a small gift. Negotiations about a future union began with matchmaking: men from the groom’s side came to the house of the chosen girl and stood in the place where they cut wood. There were at least three such visits: if during the last one they were invited to the table, this meant the bride’s consent.
Afterwards, the girl’s relatives went to inspect the groom’s house to assess his material well-being. This was necessary because it was possible to start a family only with people of your own social class. If what they saw satisfied the visitors, the size of the dowry was discussed: usually it consisted of at least one horse and cattle, the number of heads of which was determined depending on the wealth of the family.
On the wedding day, the husband's male relatives and one girl came to accompany the bride. There were obstacles along the way for the wedding train, and it was possible to get into the bride's house only after a playful battle. The future wife was showered with sweets, a path made of silk was laid in front of her, and she was necessarily carried over the threshold so that she would not disturb the spirits of her ancestors.
Upon arrival at the groom's house, the bride was again showered with sweets and coins, future spouse he left for the whole day, returning only at sunset. During the day, the girl was entertained by her husband’s relatives; there was also a humorous custom of “granny leaving”: once a new mistress came to the house, the old one had no place here. The bride had to run after her with sweets and persuade her to stay. Then they hugged and returned to the house together.
Birth traditions
Many Adyghe customs are associated with the birth of children. Immediately after the birth, a flag was hung over the house: this meant that everything was fine with both mother and child. A plain flag announced the birth of a boy, a motley flag announced the birth of a girl.
Before the birth, no dowry was prepared for the child; this was considered a bad omen. Afterwards, the mother’s relatives made a cradle from hawthorn wood and brought bedding. The cat was placed first in the cradle so that the child slept as soundly as she did. Then the baby was placed there by the paternal grandmother, who had not usually seen the child before. If there was a guest in the house at the time of the birth of the baby, he was given the right to choose a name for the newborn. He received such an honorable right, since the Adyghe people believed that any guest was a messenger of God.
When the child began to walk, the “First Step” ritual was performed. All friends and relatives gathered at the parents’ house, brought gifts to the baby and feasted. The hero of the occasion had his legs tied with a satin ribbon, which was then cut. The purpose of the ritual is to give the child strength and agility so that his further steps in life can proceed freely and without obstacles.
Funeral traditions
In the era of early and late Middle Ages some ethnic groups of Adyghe people had a ritual air burial. The body of the deceased was placed between hollowed out logs, which were secured to tree branches. Usually, after a year, the mummified remains were buried.
More extensive burial practices were practiced in ancient times. Stone crypts were often built for the deceased, similar to the dolmens preserved in the Sochi region. Rich people had mound burial grounds where they left household items that the deceased had used during his lifetime.
Traditions of hospitality
The tradition of hospitality has passed through the lives of the Adyghe people through the centuries. Any traveler, even an enemy who asked for shelter, was required to be accommodated in the house. He was accommodated in the best room, livestock was slaughtered especially for him, the best dishes were prepared, and he was presented with gifts. At first, the guest was not asked about the purpose of the visit, and it was not allowed to kick him out if he did not violate the traditions and rules of the house.
Food
Traditional Adyghe cuisine consists of dairy, flour and meat products. In everyday life we ate boiled lamb with broth. A national dish from poultry meat, libzhe was always served with a spicy sauce called Shyips, made from garlic and hot pepper.
Cottage cheese was made from milk, to which fruits or herbs were added, and hard and soft cheeses were prepared. After the Moscow Olympics in 1980, Adyghe cheese became famous throughout the world, which was branded and placed on the shelves especially for foreign guests. According to legend, the cheese recipe was told to a Circassian girl by the god of cattle breeding Amish because she saved a lost herd of sheep during a storm.
