In the history of Russia, Cossacks have become a unique phenomenon. They represent a certain society, which at one time allowed a powerful empire to grow to enormous size and gain a foothold in new lands, which later became full-fledged parts of a great country.
What are the origins of the term "Cossacks"? It is not known for certain. There are only a lot of hypotheses on this score, each of which deserves attention. Another question, the answer to which has not yet been received by researchers of the Cossacks, is whether this society is a separate ethnic group or whether it can be considered part of the Russian people.
The emergence of the Cossacks
The first mention of brave warriors was found in the annals of the 14th century. These were reports of fighters stabbing one of the slave traders in Sudak. These were the Zaporozhye Cossacks. There is also a chronicle dated 1444. It contains references to the Ryazan Cossacks who fought along with the inhabitants of Ryazan and Moscow against the Tatar prince Mustafa.
Already in these first sources the duality of the Cossacks is shown. This term was understood both by free peoples living on the outskirts of Russia and by service people who were part of the border troops or city guards.
The resettlement of the Cossacks
As a rule, the southern suburbs of Russia were mastered by runaway peasants and people who were looking for a better share. Among them were those who were not friends with the law. Other people who didn’t sit still joined in with them.
The Cossacks formed squads, placing the selected chieftains at the head of their troops. They fought on the side of their neighbors, then against them. Thus, the Zaporizhzhya Sich was formed. In 1860, the Cossacks began to move to the Kuban. In the same period, the Great Don Army was formed.
A little later, the Russian tsars began to restore order in these territories. The reason for this was the participation of the Cossacks in the uprisings of the Russian people. Peter I, this region was included in the Russian Empire. By his decree, the king ordered his inhabitants to serve in the army. Thus, the Cossacks appeared as a kind of army.
History of the Cossacks
Russia, and then the Russian Empire, always sought to expand its borders. Sometimes this was done for the sake of hunting grounds. Sometimes the reason for this was the land. At times, expanding borders was a necessity of self-defense (for example, as in the case of the Caucasus and Crimea). But be that as it may, in the parts of the selected troops there were certainly Cossacks. They subsequently settled on the conquered lands. Cossacks cultivated fields and built villages. At the same time, they protected the territories from neighbors who were dissatisfied with such annexation of Russia or simply did not want to coexist peacefully with it.
Cossacks lived in peace with the locals of the conquered lands. Sometimes they even adopted from them some traditions and customs. Borrowed, in particular, cuisine and music, language and clothing. All this led to the fact that the customs and traditions of the Cossacks of various regions of Russia began to seriously differ from each other. Representatives of this society currently wear different clothes. Their talk and songs are also different. The most striking example of this is the traditions and customs of the Kuban Cossacks. They quickly adopted some elements of clothing from the highlanders. Among them are a hat, a Circassian and a cloak. Thus, the traditions and customs of the Kuban Cossacks acquired the features of the peoples of the Caucasus. This caused a unique cultural phenomenon. Caucasian songs were heard in the songs and music of the Kuban Cossacks. There are many examples of this. So, it is very similar to the mountain Cossack Lezghinka.
At the end of the 17th century brave warriors gradually began to transform into the elite of the Russian army. This process ended in the 19th century. However, the system, built for years, collapsed after the October Revolution. Some Cossacks joined the White Guard movement. Others took the power of the Bolsheviks.
Today, Cossacks live in many regions of our country. They are united in various communities and take an active part in the life of the state. In places of compact residence of representatives of this society, children can learn the customs and traditions of Cossacks. Photos and videos allow young people to recall that their ancestors gave their lives in defense of the Fatherland.
Mentality
Cossacks have always been considered a wayward, warlike and proud people (sometimes unnecessarily). That is why friction with their neighbors, as well as with fellow countrymen who did not belong to their estate, constantly continued. However, such qualities are very good for battle. That is why belligerence and pride were welcomed within the communities. The character was also strong enough in women. After all, they kept the whole economy, when the men left to fight.
It is worth noting that a person cannot consider himself a member of this community if he does not know and does not adhere to the customs and traditions of the Cossacks.
Ruthless to enemies, these warriors were always complacent, hospitable and generous in their midst. Many customs and traditions of the Cossacks are described very well in Sholokhov's "Quiet Don". This is respect for elders, love for a woman and for her native land, as well as a desire for freedom. All these are those values without which it is impossible to imagine these brave warriors.
The character of the Cossack was always distinguished by duality. Sometimes this person is funny, playful and funny. And sometimes - unusually silent, sad and impregnable. The explanation for this is very simple. On the one hand, these people, who constantly looked into the eyes of death, did not miss even the slightest joy that fell on their lot. On the other hand, in their hearts they have always been poets and philosophers. Cossacks often indulged in thought. These were thoughts about the bustle of existence, about the eternal, as well as about the inevitability of the end of life.
The basis for the formation of moral principles of these societies is the 10 commandments of Christ. Adults always accustomed children to their observance. Also, always in this environment strictly adhered to the folk customs and traditions of the Cossacks. Each family considered them a vital and everyday necessity. Violation or non-observance of any custom and tradition has always been condemned by all those living in the village, village or on the farm.
There are a lot of similar rules and principles. And gradually, some changes occurred in their list. So, some customs and traditions replaced the disappeared ones. Time filtered them and left only those that most fully reflected the cultural characteristics of this society.
Briefly, the traditions and customs of the Cossacks can be formulated as follows:
- Respect for the older generation.
- Honoring guests.
- Respect for a woman (wife, sister, mother).
These briefly described traditions and customs of the Cossacks serve as original home laws for them. Let's get to know some of these dogmas in more detail.
Relationship with parents
The veneration of the older generation has always been for Cossacks not only a custom, but also an internal need. She showed herself in the care of her son or daughter about her parents, as well as about the godmother and godmother. In the meantime, when this duty was fully fulfilled, the commemoration was considered, which was performed on the fortieth day after the departure of loved ones to another world.
The godmother's task included helping parents prepare a Cossack girl for a married life. She accustomed her to work, frugality, needlework and to the household.
The main duty of the godfather was to prepare the little Cossack for service. Moreover, there was more demand from him than from his father.
The customs, traditions and customs of the Cossacks are such that the authority of mother and father for young people was considered indisputable. They revered their parents so much that without their blessing they did not make decisions on the most important matters and did not begin any work. This custom has survived to this day.
The disrespect of parents was considered a great sin. Without their consent, decisions to create a family were not made. And when studying the traditions and customs of the Ural Cossacks, the fact is revealed that parents, as a rule, themselves chose a bride for their son. Moreover, the couple parted very rarely. In the Cossack environment, divorces were not accepted.
Respect, restraint and courtesy have always occurred in the relations of young people with their parents. When studying the traditions and customs of the Cossacks in the Kuban, you can find out that the children and mother always turned only to “You” to their mother and father.
Seniority, which was a natural necessity of everyday life, firmly cemented family and family ties, helping youth in the formation of character.
Describing the customs and traditions of the Don Cossacks, Sholokhov tells his reader that Pantelei Prokofievich, the father of the protagonist of the novel “Quiet Don”, could punish his son Gregory, despite the fact that he was a very adult and thousands of people were under his command.
Relations with seniors
In the traditions, customs and culture of the Cossacks there has always been a respect for the years lived. Young people have always revered the elders. She paid tribute to people who suffered many adversities and are no longer able to stand up for themselves because of the onset of weakness. The younger ones always showed restraint towards older people. They took care of the elderly and were always ready to help them. In addition, the customs of the Cossacks required the observance of certain etiquette. So, when a person of respectable age appeared, everyone got up. The one who was in uniform put his hand to the visor of the headgear. Unshaped youth took off their hats and bowed.
In the presence of an older person, smoking and sitting were not allowed. It was also impossible to talk (without his permission), and even obscene to express oneself - all the more so.
Considering even briefly the traditions and customs of the Kuban Cossacks, one can note the fact that even in circulation they very rarely pronounced “old” or “grandfather”. The affectionate words “dad” or “dad” were mainly used.
Respect for elders was instilled in a child from a very early age. There was a similar gradation between children. The elder sister was especially respected. Throughout the subsequent life, the younger ones called her "nanny." After all, the eldest daughter has always replaced a mother engaged in household chores.
Guest attitude
The man who came to the light was considered by the Cossacks to be God's messenger. At the same time, the most welcome and dear guest is a stranger who has come a long way from distant places and needs shelter, guardianship and relaxation.
Cossacks contemptuously those who did not show due respect for the wanderer. Regardless of how old the guest is, he was certainly allotted the best place to rest and eat. It was considered indecent for three days to ask this person about the purpose of his arrival. Even the old people gave way to the young, if that was a guest.
According to the customs of the Cossacks, they never took food with them when traveling on business. Indeed, in any village, village or on a farm, they always had close or distant relatives, godfathers, matchmakers, or simply co-workers who would certainly meet, feed and give an overnight stay. That is why it was not in the traditions of the Cossacks to stop at the inn. The only exception was the arrival in the city to visit the fairs. By the way, a similar custom has survived to this day, and Cossack hospitality has not undergone any special changes.
In the traditions of the representatives of this society there has always been extraordinary honesty. It was even believed that anyone could leave money right on the street without fear that they would be stolen.
Cossack and woman
In family life, the relationship that existed between a wife and a husband was determined by Christian doctrine, which reads: “May the husband’s wife be afraid.” At the same time, the couple always adhered to the centuries-old traditions of the Cossacks. And they said that a man is worthless to interfere in the affairs of a woman, and vice versa. All family responsibilities are strictly regulated by life itself.
Whatever character the woman had, respect for her should be respected. After all, she is the future of the people. The customs of the Cossacks did not allow the presence of a woman at the training camp, even in order to solve personal issues. The chieftain, godfather, elder brother or father interceded for her.
The Cossacks women enjoyed such respect and reverence that it was not even necessary to give them the rights of a man.
It was considered a great shame for the fairer sex to appear on people with their heads uncovered. Cossacks were not allowed to cut their hair or wear men's clothes. In public, the husband and wife showed restraint with some elements of alienation.
Household behavior
Another feature characteristic of Cossack customs. Warriors perceived their clothes as second skin. They kept her, like her body, in neatness and cleanliness. In this case, the Cossack never wore clothes from someone else's shoulder.
These people were very fond of communication and feast. They were not against drinking, but they never got drunk. With pleasure, the Cossacks sang songs and danced. At the table, the vodka was never spilled. She was brought to each sitting on a tray. Those who grabbed the "excess" were simply circumvented or sent to oversleep.
Among the Cossack customs were other features of life. All of them are generated by existing living conditions. For example, a Cossack never appeared on the street arm in arm with his wife. And this could also be explained by caring for a woman. Indeed, in battles, the Cossacks suffered losses, which at times were significant. And to imagine that a man will walk along the street in an embrace with his wife, and to meet them a young Cossack who has lost her husband is simply impossible. What will happen to the widow's soul? For the same reason, a Cossack never appeared on the street with a child in her arms.
For a long period in the customs of brave warriors there were male conversations. They were walks without women. Similarly, Cossacks gathered without men. When they celebrated something together (weddings, name days or christenings), they sat on opposite sides of the table. This was necessary so that the drunk Cossack would not show liberties to another woman’s wife, while others would not use their weapons.
Before the matchmakers went to the bride's house, the groom threw his stick into her yard. Such a custom was among the Terek Cossacks and partly among the Kuban.
In those communities that lived in the Urals, the bride's parents did not prepare a dowry. The father of the groom paid the so-called masonry before the wedding.
In the customs of the Cossacks, only married men and married women participated in wedding ceremonies. Separate parties were held for young people in the house of the groom and in the house of the bride. Moreover, unmarried Cossacks and unmarried Cossacks gathered before the wedding. Such a custom indicated concern for the moral principles of youth.
The cult of gifts and gifts was also in great demand among the Cossacks. Without them, no man would return from long hikes. Cossacks never went without a gift and to visit.
Cossack horse
In the customs of the Ural warriors, it was not customary to go to war on a mare. The Terek Cossacks, when leaving home, mounted a horse, which was saddled and let down by their mother, sister or wife. These women then met a man. After the horse was saddled and it was ensured that the animal cooled down before it was sent to the feeder and to the swill.
The customs of the Kuban Cossacks were somewhat different. The horse for the warrior was brought by his wife, who at the same time kept the occasion in the hem of the dress. She passed the occasion to her husband, and only after that he hugged and kissed his wife, children, and sometimes grandchildren. Further, the Cossack sat in the saddle and, taking off his hat, was baptized. He stood up on stirrups to once again look at the cozy and clean white hut, at the cherry orchard and the front garden with flowers. After that, the warrior put on his hat and rode to the gathering place.
The horse’s cult was also in the traditions of the Don Cossacks. The customs and customs that have developed in these communities have formed the basis of some signs and beliefs. So, the Cossack, even before the service, already determined its outcome by his horse. If the animal urinated, then it was believed that being in trouble. A warrior will either be injured or captured. A horse bowel movement was considered a good sign. He said that the Cossack would return home safe and sound.
In the traditions and customs of the Don Cossacks there are many interesting things. For example, the main fear for a warrior was considered to drop his hat at the moment when he leaves the house. A similar sign indicated that the Cossack would be killed.
Don Cossacks had traditions and customs that allowed them to check which horse would bring them good luck in the campaign. To do this, it was necessary to perform a special ritual. , , . . , .
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