unique phenomenon - the culture and life of ancient Russia.Art of the State - the fruit of heroism of the Russian people, defended the European world on the edge of their faith and independence, their ideals.The researchers said such features in ancient culture as synthetic character and openness.The distinctive spiritual world created by the interaction of the heritage and traditions of the eastern Slavs to the Byzantine culture, and consequently the traditions of antiquity.The time of formation and first flowering of ancient Russian culture to the period from 10 to the first half of 13th centuries (ie in the pre-Mongol period).
Folklore
preserve the traditions of ancient paganism especially in folklore (oral folk art): songs, tales, proverbs, spells, charms, riddles.In the historical memory of the Russian people a special place occupied epics.They were the heroic tales of the brave defenders of the native land from enemies.Extols the exploits of national storytellers Mikula Selyaninovich, Volga, Alyosha Popovich, Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich and other heroes (in the epics of all there are more than 50 different main characters).
Pay them to him his call to stand up for their country, for their faith.In the epics, interestingly, the motive to protect the country complemented by others - the protection of the Christian faith.The most important event of the culture of Ancient Rus was her baptism.
Writing on Russia
With the adoption of Christianity rapidly began to develop writing.Although it has been known even earlier.As evidence, we bring the reference to "terms and rezah", referring to the middle of the first millennium, information about contracts between Rus and Byzantium, which were compiled in Russian, a clay vessel in Smolensk with the Cyrillic inscription (alphabet created by Cyril and Methodius, enlighteners of the Slavsat the turn of 10-11 centuries).
In Russia Orthodoxy brought a variety of liturgical books, secular and religious literature in translation.Extant manuscripts: two "Izbornik" Prince Svyatoslav, dating from 1073 and 1076 year, "Ostrom Gospel", referring to 1057. It is alleged that in issue 11-13 centuries, there were about 130-140 thousand books, had several hundred names.By the standards of the Middle Ages in the ancient Rus' literacy level was pretty high.There are also other evidence.This birchbark manuscripts discovered by archaeologists in Novgorod in the mid-20th century, as well as inscriptions on craft items and walls of the cathedral, the activities of the monastic schools, book collections of the St. Sophia Cathedral and the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, and others, which now to study the culture and life of ancient Russia.
It was felt that the Old Russian culture refers to the "dumb", ie, it had its original literature.However, this assumption is incorrect.Various genres of literature is represented by ancient.That the lives of saints, and chronicles, and teaching, and journalism, and travel notes.We note here the famous "Lay", which did not belong to any of the then existing genres.Thus, the literature of ancient Russia is rich in trends, styles and images.
spinning and weaving
Ancient states differ not only unique culture, but also their way of life.Life of Ancient Rus is interesting and unique.Residents were engaged in various crafts.In women, the main occupation was considered spinning and weaving.The required amount of tissue should weave Russian women to clothe his family, as a rule, large as well as to decorate the house towels and tablecloths.Distaff no accident it was considered the peasants' traditional gift filed with love and handed down from generation to generation.
existed in Russia the custom of giving girls the favorite spinning wheel of their own work.The elaborately carved and painted her master, what she looked elegant, the greater was his honor.Russian girl is going to gatherings in winter evenings, they took with them the spinning wheel to brag about them.
home in
Customs, as well as life in the ancient city had a slightly different character than in the villages.There are almost no dugout (see. Photo).
Life in Ancient Rus towns reflect the various buildings.Urban residents often were built two-storey house, which consisted of several rooms.Houses warriors, priests, princes, nobles had their differences.Be sure to set aside large estates under the land area, houses built for the servants and artisans, as well as various outbuildings.Genesis of ancient Russia was different in different segments of the population that The types of dwellings.Knights and princes' mansions were real palaces.These houses were decorated with rich carpets and fabrics.
in fairly large cities lived the Russian people.There are tens of thousands of them.In the villages it could be only a few dozen yards.Life of Ancient Rus, ancient traditions preserved in them longer than in the cities.
house in the village
higher standard of living have residential areas, involving various trade routes.They resided farmers usually in small houses.In the south were distributed huts whose roofs are often covered with earth.
In Russia, the northern hut were two-storey high, with small windows (there could be more than five).We parked on the side of housing barns, storage and hall.They are usually located under one roof.This type of housing is very convenient for northern harsh winters.Many elements of the houses were decorated with geometric designs.
Interior peasant huts
Gen. peasants in ancient Russia was quite simple.The huts in the villages are usually looked rather poor.Interior peasant huts were removed pretty strict, but smartly before the icon located in the front corner of a large table, which was intended for all members of the family.The ancient household objects in Russia also included wide benches that lined the walls.They were decorated with carved edging.The most common of them were shelves that are intended for storage of utensils.Household items included postavets Ancient Russia (north locker), which complements the usual smart-painted with pictures of flowers, birds, horses, and pictures depicting allegorical seasons.
table holidays covered with red cloth.He was placed on a carved and painted pottery, and svettsy for kindling.Masters of the tree famous ancient Russia.They are made of different dishes.The most beautiful old Russian had buckets of various sizes and shapes.Some of them are housed in volume several buckets.Is intended for drinking different woks often scaphoid form.Pens were decorated with the heads of their horses or carved ducks.Also generously supplemented buckets carvings and paintings.
ladle Utitsa called woks, which had the shape of a duck.Turned the ball resembles the vessels were called Bratina.Beautiful salt shakers shaped like horses or birds, cut the tree wizard.We also produce beautiful spoons and bowls.Everything that concerns the life of ancient Russia, usually made of wood: the crib for children, mortars, bowls, baskets and furniture.Create furniture masters not only thought about the convenience, but also about beauty.These things were certainly pleasing to the eye, becomes a celebration of even the most hard work of peasants.
Clothing diverse population
Our clothes could also identify the different sections of the population.The peasants and artisans, both men and women wore shirts that were made of homespun cloth.In addition to shirts, men wore pants, and women - skirts.Common people wore normal winter coats.
The shape of clothes noble people often looked like a peasant, but the quality, of course, it was completely different.Such clothing created from expensive fabrics.Most coats were made of gold-embroidered oriental fabrics.Only from valuable furs sewed winter coats.The peasants and townspeople were also different shoes.Only rich people could afford to buy shoes or pistons (shoes).The princes also wore boots, which were richly decorated with marquetry.The farmers could not afford to make or buy a bast who lived in Russian culture until the 20th century.
Feasts and hunting in ancient Russia
The whole world were known for hunting and feasts of ancient Russian nobility.During such events are often solved the most important affairs of state.Publicly and flamboyantly celebrated inhabitants of ancient Russia victory in campaigns.Honey and overseas wine flowed.The servants served great dishes with meat and game.These feasts must visit posadniki and elders from all cities, as well as a great many people.Gen. residents of ancient Russia is difficult to imagine without the abundant feasts.King feasted with the boyars and warriors on a high gallery of his palace, and the tables of the people located in the yard.
falconry, hunting and hawk hunting fun considered rich.For ordinary people tune in various merrymaking, racing tournaments.Gen. Ancient Russia as an integral part, especially in the north, also included a bath.
Other features of Russian life
Children in boyars princely environment is not brought their own.Boys three years were put on a horse, and then gave the care and proficiency Pestunov (ie teacher).The young prince, aged 12 sends control townships and cities.Wealthy families in the 11th century began to teach reading and writing of both girls and boys.Kiev bargaining was a favorite place of simple and noble people.It sold goods and products from around the world, including India and Baghdad.Very fond of bargain ancient people of Russia.
