One of them is the traditional game “Tereshka’s Wedding” in Lepel District

“Tereshka’s Wedding” is a ritual game of the Christmas cycle, a unique living element of Belarus’s intangible cultural heritage, which has come down to us from ancient times.

The game is held during the winter solstice according to the traditional ritual regulations of wedding and New Year’s festivities for young people.

The area where the living tradition of the ritual game is practiced in Lepel District includes the villages of Veleushchyna, Povsvizh, Anoshki, Stary Lepel, Barsuki, Tereshki.

The Christmas ritual game is a wedding-theatrical performance that combines theatre, singing, dancing, music, and improvisation.

The essence of the game lies in the opportunity for young people to express their affection for acquaintance and find a partner. Elders select a “father” and “mother” who oversee the order of the “Tereshka’s Wedding” ritual, the ritualistic feasting, and the general celebration, where there are no spectators or performers; everyone is a participant.

Quite often, couples who participate in the Christmas ritual game later have a real wedding.

The main character of the Christmas play, Tereshka, has mythical origins. Tereshka appears in a folk tale as a “wooden boy” who comes to life to the joy of childless parents. “Tereshka” is a national cultural characteristic of Belarusians.

The word acquires a general Belarusian meaning, which is manifested in toponymy (especially in village names), folklore (primarily calendar and fairy tales), and modern culture.