Shaman, reindeer racing and wrestling: What wedding traditions do the Evenks have

The 2nd All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Connecting Hearts" at the National Centre RUSSIA, will bring together attendees from different parts of the country. Each couple who is going to marry there, should use elements of national costumes in their outfits.

The wedding traditions of the peoples of our country are very diverse. They reflect history and culture, and help to preserve the memory of people's roots and ancestors.

The wedding customs of the Evenks are very unusual. A shaman must take part in the ceremony. He fumigates the places around, and thus prevents evil spirits from entering. The ceremonies on the day of the celebration are accompanied by: a song-dance (round dance-ikewun), a competition of singers and storytellers from various clans, and also by hunting and sports games, like deer racing, wrestling, and shooting.

Previously, the weddings of the Evenks took place mainly in springs, after the deer gave birth to their calves, and when green young grass started to grow (May-June). Another time for weddings was autumn, at the beginning of the deer rut and hunting season (September-October).

According to the Evenk traditions, the bride joined her husband's family, so she had to show what kind of needlewoman she was. She was evaluated, as a rule, by a sewn kumalan (carpet) and suit she made. If she turned out to be a good craftswoman, the groom threw a bunch of sable skins at the feet of his chosen one.

There are 6 days left before the start of the 2nd All-Russian Wedding Festival at the National Centre RUSSIA. It will run from July 8 to July 10. The program includes official wedding ceremonies of more than 200 couples, as well as many special events: concert programs with popular performers, creative workshops from experts in the wedding industry, fashion shows, and much more.