Festive Culture and Etiquette of Bashkirs (on the Example of Spring and Summer Calendar Holidays)

УДК 94(47): 395 ББК 63.529(2)-731+87.78

Abstract

The given article considers some spring and summer holidays of the Bashkirs in the aim of defining their peculiarities of festive culture and etiquette. A comprehensive study of these forms of organising leisure activities of the Bashkirs is an urgent problem. The relevance of the study is also conditioned by the state policy aimed at preserving and strengthening traditional values and pillars. In the course of the study, structural-semiotic analysis, comparative and descriptive research methods were applied. The conducted research showed that folk festivals, which accumulated unwritten norms of behaviour and etiquette, had a complex impact on the upbringing of young people, contributed to the formation and strengthening of diverse ties between individuals, families, kin, clans, and helped to maintain the structure of society. Festive etiquette behaviour included such aspects as politeness, respect for others, appropriate appearance, expression of good wishes, adherence to the rules of the competition, etc. The participants of the holiday strictly observed etiquette subordination in relation to elders, as well as to the female gender. Observance of etiquette in public life allowed a person to earn respect and authority among others. In some cases, participants of the feast were allowed to break the rules of conduct accepted in everyday life.