BelSU’s Peoples’ Friendship Centre Welcomes Students to Discover the Folk Heritage of Rus’

The ethnocultural event took place at the Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) Peoples’ Friendship Centre. Organised by Associate Professors Natalia Ilyenko and Elena Ivaschenko of the Department of Theory, Pedagogy and Methodology of Primary Education and Fine Arts, the gathering focused on an ancient celebration marking the arrival of spring – a tradition with deep roots in the lands of Rus’.

Participants learned how the return of birds has long been seen as the primary sign of spring. The custom of baking small buns shaped like larks dates back to pagan times in Rus’, but was later given new Christian meaning.

These bird-shaped buns became a symbol of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, and the holiday came to be associated with the arrival of spring. Traditionally, young women would take the buns, stand on high ground or rooftops facing east, and call out to spring with joyful songs and wishes for a bountiful season.

Students also learned about traditional spring incantations – ritual songs that accompanied the rites of welcoming spring, ploughing and sowing. A workshop led by Natalia Ilyenko gave participants the chance to make their own lark-shaped buns, with the most successful examples rewarded with a freshly baked treat.

A second workshop, led by Elena Ivaschenko, introduced students to the traditional protective doll from the folk culture of Rus’, explaining the meaning behind each element of its design.

Throughout the event, students from Russia showed warmth and hospitality to their international peers, reflecting traditions of welcome that have been passed down for centuries.

“It is essential for future teachers to understand the ancient traditions and customs of the peoples of Rus’, as well as the forms and methods of organising the educational process through an ethnocultural approach. This helps preserve our cultural heritage and shape the national identity of the younger generation,” noted first-year student Elizaveta Lutsenko.

Such events promote intercultural interaction and spark genuine interest in the rich cultural traditions, customs and mentality inherited from the civilisation of Rus’ among both international and Russian students.