Description
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF THE SAKHA PEOPLE. YSSYAKH - YAKUTIAN NEW YEAR
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1. Theme |
SIGHTSEEING & FIRST SIGHT NATURE & SNOW EMPIRE ETHNOS GASTRONOMY |
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2. Region, city, itinerary |
Yakutsk |
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3. Seasonality |
Year-round |
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4. The complexity, style of the tour |
Easy, comfortable Winter adventure |
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5. Accommodation |
Hotel, hostel, guest house, homestay |
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6. Number of days |
1-3 days |
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7. Number of people |
No limit |
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8. Booking conditions |
3 days before check-in date |
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The Yakuts originate from nomadic tribes, therefore they live in yurts. However, unlike the Mongol felt yurts, the round dwelling of the Yakuts is constructed from the trunks of small trees with a cone-shaped roof. A lot of windows are arranged in the walls, under the windows there are wooden benks at different heights. Between them, partitions are installed, forming something similar to rooms in a house; the oiled hearth is installed in the center of the yurt. In summer, temporary birch bark yurts - urases - can be erected. Since the 20th century, some Yakuts have settled in huts. Life of the Yakuts is associated with shamanism. Construction of a house, birth of children, marriage and burial, and many other aspects of life cannot be imagined without the participation of a shaman and their séances. At the same time, a significant part of the half-million population of Yakuts profess Christian Orthodoxy and many more adhere to agnostic beliefs. A significant cultural phenomenon of these people is the poetic tales of OLONHO, which can number up to 36 thousand rhymed lines. The epic is passed down from generation to generation by master performers, and more recently, these narratives had been included on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list. Throat singing and playing music on the national instrument khomus, one of the variants of the plunging harp, are prominent characteristics of the Yakut culture. Yakut knives with an asymmetric blade are worthy of mentioning. Such knife is an important artifact in almost every family. The customs and rituals of the Yakuts are closely connected with traditional beliefs. They are followed even by many Orthodox Christians or agnostics who live in Yakutia. The structure of the beliefs is very similar to Shintoism - each manifestation of nature has its own spirit, and shamans communicate with them. An important place in the life of each Yakut is occupied by the New Year celebration - Ysyakh. Different rites are called upon to appease the gods. Hunters praise Baye-Bayanaya, women - Ayyysyt. The holiday reaches its summit by the universal dance of the sun - Osoukhai. All participants join hands and arrange a huge round dance. Fire has sacred properties at any time of the year. Therefore, every meal in the Yakut house begins with a treat to the fire - throwing food into the hearth and giving it some milk. Feeding fire is one of the key moments of any holiday or activity.
Visit to the ethnographic complex “The Atlasov Estate”: Yakut national culture, traditions, rites, a dwelling and household utensils, Yakut national costume, Yakut folklore concert including khomus playing and throat singing. Dinner of the Yakut national cuisine in the ethnographic complex.
Visit to the area of the Us Khatyn Tuymaada Valley for participating in celebration of the Yakut New Year - Essyah. This is truly the biggest holiday of the year taking place the last weekend of June every year and is being anticipated by everyone. A long preparation takes place all over the land. The greatness and importance of this holiday for each Yakut is undeniable. Ritual ceremonies, competitions of craftsmen, exhibitions, fairs, national games, songs, dances, folklore concerts, horse races, national dance dance "Osuokhai".
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