The shaman told how the Chinese New Year is celebrated in Russia: say hello to everyone

February – White Month – among the indigenous peoples of Russia beyond the Urals is primarily marked by the celebration of the traditional New Year. Among the Buryats it is Sagaalgan, among the Tuvans it is Shagaa, among the Kalmyks it is Tsagan Sar, among the southern Altaians it is Chaga Bayram. The date of the holiday is nomadic; this has been the custom here since the reign of Kublai Khan (c. 13th century), who adopted it from the Tibetans. This year the White Month holiday is February 10th. It is on this day that the Year of the Green Dragon begins.

– The holiday begins at dawn and lasts for more than one day, symbolizing the transition from the old life to its new period. All peoples prepare in advance: the whole house is carefully cleaned, old things are thrown away, new ones are purchased, food is prepared for the table, gifts are chosen, says shaman Karagay.

It is important these days to please not only your family, but also the spirits and ancestors. It is believed that if on this day you personally say hello to everyone who meets on the way, no one will be offended, if during the year you suddenly do not do this with someone by accident, the New Year’s wish for health is the most important.

Alcohol is absolutely prohibited among all nations. The food is prepared high-calorie, satisfying and varied. Traditionally, this is white milk food for rituals, baursaks or pova – flat cakes and donuts made from unleavened dough, poses (buuzas) or manti with lamb, shaped like a yurt.

Gifts are not prepared for formal giving; it is believed that you give away part of yourself with them, and you receive part of someone else by accepting the gift. It is not necessary to receive something in return immediately, and it may not always be material. Those who are richer necessarily invite those who have a poorer life to the table, giving food with them, thereby helping to survive until spring.

In Tuva, Shagaa comes at dawn. The date of the holiday was determined by the elders, and the change of one year to another – by the palm of your hand: if it became so light on the street that you could see the lines and prints, then it was time to celebrate.

Traditionally, Shagaa is met on the banks of the Yenisei, cleansing fires burn all night and shamans perform rituals, and lights are also lit in front of the temples. The day before, young people went to “carol”, and those who were greedy with treats were sung comic threats, wishing that everything they regretted would rot, and they went to the next house or yurt. All quarrels and fights were strictly prohibited.

It is not customary to sleep all night. But if you can’t bear it, you can stay awake from 3 am to 6 am, performing prayers at this time, reading fairy tales to children and telling stories about family and ancestors. At dawn, the San Salyr ritual is performed.

Men “feed” the fire with white food, say wishes for the New Year, and light incense. Women brew tea and sprinkle it on all sides of the world, wishing well to the sun, earth and homeland, and set a rich table.

Three days before Shagaa and a month after, alcohol and bad deeds are prohibited; it is believed that it is during this period that everything good and bad is multiplied a hundredfold. After a hearty meal there is entertainment: eating competitions, street celebrations, visiting guests and exchanging gifts.

Sagaalgan has been celebrated among the Buryats since the 13th century, coming from Mongolia. The day before, a one-day fast is observed, and at dawn celebrations begin, visits to close relatives, and exchange of gifts. On the second day, it is customary to visit distant relatives – according to tradition, children are required to know their family to the seventh generation.

Men should be given weapons and purely “male” household items, women – “feminine” ones, as well as fabrics, jewelry, and outfits. They dress in bright national clothes and all the best at once. During the celebration, children also receive holidays as a gift. At higher elevations, bonfires are lit and rituals are performed to feed spirits and ancestors, before moving on to rich food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Chaga Bayram is celebrated widely and elegantly in Altai. It begins with a crowded procession to sacred places: men lead, followed by women and children. A large carpet for treats is laid out on the spot and ritual bonfires are lit. Smoke from juniper sanctifies food and drinks. After a noisy holiday, guests roll down the mountainside, believing that this is how they are cleansed from filth and filled with health and well-being for the whole year.

On this day, it is customary for all nations to tie sacred ribbons on trees or ritual hitching posts, to carry out rituals of feeding the fire and honoring ancestors. And celebrate the onset of the New Year in a narrow family circle, showing respect to your family, ancestors and your loved ones.