7 January, Vitebsk /Maria Dmitrieva - BELTA/. Lovers of Belarusian national traditions celebrated the folk festival "Zhanitsba Tsyaroshki" on the night of Christmas and Kolyady, reports a BELTA correspondent. An unusual ritual was performed at the "Lyukshino" farm in Lepel district. More than 50 guests took part in the event – lovers of Belarusian cultural traditions from Lepel, Polotsk, Minsk, and other cities. The venue for "Zhanitsba Tsyaroshki" was not chosen by chance. The fact is that this folk Christmas game has been preserved in its original form only in the Lepel region. "Unlike other districts, where people familiar with this ritual perform it only theatrically and staged, here 'zhanitsba' is ingrained in the daily life of local residents," explained the event organizer, coordinator of the green route "Land of Yellow Water Lilies and Grey Boulders" Olga Makhonenko. It is believed that the Kolyady game "Zhanitsba Tsyaroshki" traces its roots back to the times of the Principality of Polotsk. It is based on a real prototype of Tsyaroshka, who lived on Belarusian land in ancient times and patronized loving couples, being the keeper of the family hearth. The essence of the ritual is the acquaintance of young men with girls and the subsequent marriage of the young, which was considered sacred and mystical. According to tradition, for a year after the celebration, the young husbands had to take care of their wives. Our ancestors respected the ritual, and after it, the season of real weddings began in Belarusian villages. And this time, the rite was performed in accordance with authentic folk traditions. First, a father and mother were chosen from among the guests, who subsequently played the role of matchmakers – introducing good lads to fair maidens. The symbolic ritual of the young couple's marriage and innocent kisses were followed by dances, songs, and various games. For example, young men were seated on a bench back to back, and they had to turn their heads to one side on command. If they succeeded, the couple kissed and made way for the next pair. The games alternated with humorous songs, witty remarks, and lively folk dances. "Zhanitsba" concluded with a traditional feast.