A symbolic estate based on the "World Tree" model

In 2015, the UNDP announced a competition of initiatives in Belarus within the framework of the project “Assistance to the Transition of the Republic of Belarus to a “Green” Economy”, funded by the European Union.

In 2015, the UNDP announced a competition of initiatives in Belarus within the framework of the project “Assistance to the Transition of the Republic of Belarus to a “Green” Economy”, funded by the European Union.

The Belarusian public association “Rest in the Village” developed the application “Ecotourism in Berezinsky: Innovative Approaches, Partnership Models, “Green” Consciousness” in partnership with the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, NEF Group LLC, and RUP Production Association “Belorusneft”. The application took one of the top places, and during 2016-2017, a unique Centre of Mythological Tourism was established. It comprises the “Museum of Myths”, the ecological trail “To the Land of Myths”, and a solar power station.

The Museum of Myths is a symbolic estate based on the model of the “World Tree”. This is a cosmic tree, which, according to some researchers, could have served as the axis of the universe in ancient Belarusian mythology. Its branches reach the sky, the trunk emerges from the earth, and the roots penetrate deep into the ground. According to this model, the internal space of the museum is divided into three parts.

Upon entering the sacred place, we find ourselves in the “World of People”. The hall depicts the human life cycle according to the folk calendar. It is no secret that in ancient times, all economic activities and festive periods were subordinated to nature and took place in accordance with natural cycles.

Human life is not eternal, and after some time, darkness envelops us. This is the underground kingdom, and one feels uneasy there. The final effort to emerge from the darkness leads us to the “World of Heaven”, where, according to ancient legends, everyone will be held accountable for their earthly deeds.

By the way, last year the Museum of Mythology was included in the list of the most unusual and original houses in the Republic of Belarus. This list also includes the House with Imps, the Hobbit Clay House, and others.

Yauheni MIKALAEU.