TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS OF

MARI

Agavajrem – an arable land holiday

by an English teacher Malinina Nadezhda Ivanovna

AgavajremAgavajrem is an ancientagricultural celebration, dates back to pagan times, is devoted to different gods of nature, earth and fertility(плодородие). It has a very important religious significance.This long – standing tradition still survives in Sernurregion and is called Ono Morko agavajrem

Agavajrem at the beginning of the XX century

At the celebration of agavajrem

CUSTOMES

People bring national dishesto the sacred place “Kusoto”:different porridge – symbolof friendship, blini, salma muno, tuara, eggs –symbol of new life and kvass –symbol of power.They put them on a white cloth near the specialtree“Onapu”.

“Onapu” with giftsfrom believers.

GODS OF THE CELEBRATION

The main god is Agavajrem yumo –prottector of the celebration The praying begins from appealing to him, then the prayer appeals to the gods of thunder, sun, earth, mond , stars, wind –Kudyrcho yumo, Keche yumo, Mlande ava, Tylse yumo, Shudyr yumo, Mardezh yumo for protecting the future harvest.

The order of praying in Agavajrem.

The order of praying in Agavajrem.

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The prayers make gifts to the gods.

AMUSEMENTS

There are different games for young people, such as“Giving towels”,“A stream”, Shooting with a bow, horse riding the most characteristic is swing.

GAME

Giving towels

GAMES with eggs

Shooting with a bow.

After all ceremonial games kart prays to the god for thanksgiving. The celebration is over.