Seeing autumn off: the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye explored folk traditions of Oseniny and Pokrov
The branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region hosted a lecture titled "Seeing Autumn Off: From Oseniny to Pokrov", delivered by senior lecturer of the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language at the Far Eastern Federal University, member of the folk music ensemble "Tradition", and host of the "Singing for the Soul" club, Anastasia Ivanchenko.
Guests embarked on a fascinating journey through the folk calendar — from Oseniny (a traditional Slavic autumn festival) and Indian summer to the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin (Pokrov). Anastasia Ivanchenko spoke about ancient customs associated with the end of agricultural work, the renewal of fire, and preparation for winter.
Participants learned that in old times, autumn days symbolised the transition from light to darkness — from the shortest day to the longest night — and each holiday of this period had its own special meaning. Oseniny marked the end of the harvest, the Day of Simeon Stylites signified the beginning of Indian summer, and on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross people used to say: "Autumn is moving towards winter."
Many of these holidays took shape under the influence of Christianity. Peasants interpreted them in their own way, linking them to their agricultural work.
The speaker paid special attention to Pokrov (Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin) — the day that marked the beginning of true winter and the wedding season.
"Pokrov is not just a Christian holiday. In folk tradition, it symbolised protection, warmth, and care. People believed that the Virgin covered the earth with her veil, shielding it from the cold and protecting young women from loneliness," shared Anastasia Ivanchenko. "That is why they used to say: ‘When Pokrov comes, a maiden’s head will be covered."
The lecture featured old images and photos of ritual reconstructions, riddles, and singing. The speaker herself performed lively songs once sung by peasants in olden times.
The event ended on an energetic and joyful note, as participants tried their hand at traditional peasant dances performed during the flax harvest.
On 5 June this year, a meeting of the Council on the Implementation of State Policy for Supporting the Russian Language and the Languages of the Peoples of Russia was held. Following the meeting, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, approved a list of instructions. Among them was the instruction to establish cultural and educational interactive spaces at the National Centre RUSSIA and its regional branches to promote and popularise the Russian language.
The branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye features the interactive exposition "The Great and Mighty Russian Language", created on the President’s instruction and demonstrated to him during his visit to the branch on 4 September.
Follow the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region on Telegram, VKontakte, and Odnoklassniki.
