Chechen people: culture, traditions and customs The most ancient people world, residents of the Caucasus are considered
Chechens. According to archaeologists, at the dawn of human
civilization, the Caucasus was the center in which
human culture.
Those whom we used to call Chechens appeared in the 18th century.
century in the North Caucasus due to the separation of several ancient
childbirth They passed through the Argun Gorge along the Main Ridge
Caucasus and settled on the mountainous part of the modern
republics.
The Chechen people have centuries-old traditions, national
language, ancient and original culture. The history of this
people can serve as an example of building relationships and
cooperation with different nationalities and their neighbors.
Culture and life of the Chechen people
Since the 3rd century, the Caucasus has been a place where the paths of civilizations crossedfarmers and nomads, cultures of different
ancient civilizations of Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. This
reflected in mythology, oral folk art And
culture.
Unfortunately, the recording folk epic Chechens began
quite late. This is due to armed conflicts
that shook this country. As a result, huge layers
folk art - pagan mythology, Nart epic were irretrievably lost. The creative energy of the people
consumed by the war. The policy pursued has made a sad contribution
leader of the Caucasian highlanders - imam
Shamil. He saw in a democratic, popular
culture is a threat to his rule. During his more than 25 years in power in Chechnya there were
prohibited: folk music and dancing, art,
mythology, observance of national rituals,
traditions. Only religious ones were allowed
chants. All this had a negative impact on
creativity and culture of the people. But Chechen
originality cannot be killed.
Traditions and customs of the Chechen people
Part everyday life Chechensis the observance of traditions that
passed down by previous generations. They
have evolved over centuries. Some are recorded in
code, but there are also unwritten rules,
which nevertheless remain important
for everyone with Chechen blood flowing in them.
Hospitality Rules
The roots of this good tradition go back centuries.Most families lived in difficult, difficult to navigate places. They
always provided the traveler with shelter and food. A person needs
familiar or not, he received it without further questioning. This
started in all families. Hospitality theme runs red
line throughout the folk epic.
A custom associated with a guest. If he liked the thing
who hosts his home, then this thing should be given to him.
And also about hospitality. When guests are present, the owner takes a closer position
to the door, saying that the important thing here is the guest.
The owner sits at the table until the last guest. Be the first to interrupt the reception
food is indecent.
If a neighbor or relative, even a distant one, comes in, then serve
they will be young men and younger family members. Women shouldn't
show up to guests.
Man and woman
Many may have the opinion that in Chechnya thewomen's rights. But this is not so - a mother who raised a worthy
son, has an equal voice in decision making.
When a woman enters a room, the men who are
there, they get up.
Special ceremonies and decorums must be performed to
arriving guest.
When a man and a woman walk together, the woman should
one step behind. A man must be the first to accept danger.
Wife young husband first feeds his parents, and only then
husband
If there is a relationship between a guy and a girl, even
very distant, the connection between them is not approved, but also rude
This is not a violation of tradition.
Family
If a son reaches for a cigarette and the father finds out about it, he shouldthrough the mother, make a suggestion about the harm and inadmissibility of this, and
He himself must immediately give up this habit.
When there is a quarrel or fight between children, parents should first
scold your child, and only then figure out who is right and who
guilty.
It is a grave insult to a man if someone touches him
hat. This is tantamount to receiving a slap in the face in public.
The younger one should always let the older one pass, let him pass
first. At the same time, he must politely and respectfully
say hello.
It is extremely tactless to interrupt an elder or start something without him.
requests or permission to talk.
The peasant always lives with worries about the harvest. Therefore drought is its enemy. According to an old Chechen belief, a snake is a reliable remedy against drought. As you know, snakes crawl out especially willingly on rainy days, hence the belief in their connection with the desired heavenly moisture. To make rain, the Chechens killed and hung snakes. In popular belief, the crow was also considered a messenger of bad weather, so in order to cause rain, it was necessary to destroy the crow's nest. Among the famous ancient Chechen rituals of summoning rain is plowing the bed of a dry river. This ritual was performed separately by both women and men. The men gathered in the courtyard of a successful and revered man in the village, harnessed themselves to a plow and dragged it along and across the river bed. At the same time, everyone diligently doused each other with water. The women, coming to the river, dragged the plow along its bottom two or three times, while they themselves fell into the water and doused each other, and also tried to push passing men into the river. Then the women who “plowed the river” walked around the village and were presented with money or food. The pagan meaning of the sacrifice was the ritual of calling down rain, in which a teenager was dressed up as a sheaf of green grass. He was led through the streets of the village by a crowd of young people wearing sheepskin coats turned inside out. At the same time, everyone was having fun, since it was not visible who was hidden under the grass. The mummer also saw almost nothing, since his head was covered by elderberry branches hanging to the ground or a sheaf of hemp or a bag with holes for the eyes, covered with grass. It was believed that throwing pebbles into the river, accompanied by reciting a prayer, also helped to bring rain. The water that washes the pebbles will flow to the sea and return from there as rain. In mountainous Chechnya, the male part of the population usually participated in this ritual. The old men, led by the mullah, prayed, and the young people collected pebbles. The stones were placed near literate residents who could read the Koran, who whispered a prayer over them, and then put them aside. After this, the youth threw stones into the water. Sometimes these pebbles were put in a bag and lowered into water. At the end of the ceremony, sacrificial animals were slaughtered and a common meal was held.
On the southern outskirts of Russia, in the mountains northern Caucasus, with all its natural splendor lies the Chechen Republic. Chechnya is rivers and lakes, mountains, valleys and ancient cities, with their historical monuments cultures, ancient settlements located above the clouds. The Chechen people, who survived years of adversity, devastation and war, did not lose heart, while maintaining their historical heritage, customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Family as the basis of Chechen traditions
The people of Chechnya assign a huge role to family and family rituals, which are revered everywhere. So, what are Chechen traditions?
Father
The father was always considered the head of the family. The female half was in charge of the household chores. It was considered insulting and humiliating for a husband if he interfered in women's affairs or tried to help.
Women in the house
When a daughter-in-law appeared in the house, the main responsibilities for running the household fell on her. The girl got up earlier than everyone else, did the cleaning and went to bed later than everyone else. If any of the women did not want to follow the traditions established in the family, she was subject to severe punishment, including expulsion. The daughters-in-law were raised by “nana” - mother. New wives did not have the right to freely talk with their mother-in-law, to appear in front of her in an unkempt manner or with their heads uncovered. “Nana” could shift part of her responsibilities only to her eldest daughter-in-law. In addition to household chores, the mother-in-law had the obligation to comply with everything family rituals and traditions, and the oldest woman was rightfully called the keeper of the hearth.
In the Chechen family there is a special cult of fire and hearth; it came from ancient times, when big family was called “people of the same fire.” The Chechens have preserved the tradition of oaths and curses by fire.
The prohibition, or the so-called custom of “avoidance”, is not typical for Slavic peoples, represents a taboo on communicating or showing feelings in public. This rule of behavior applies to all family members: husband, wife, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and numerous relatives.
Wedding and children
Many rituals are associated with the wedding and the period before it. The groom could not see his bride before the wedding, and even after that the young man visited his beloved secretly for some time. When there was a quarrel between children, the first action of the father and mother was to punish both, without understanding their guilt.
Advice
Remember, honor for a Chechen woman is the main treasure. You should not try to talk to her on the street or show signs of attention, as this will be regarded by the girl’s relatives as an insult.
Warlike people
Chechens have long been known for their warlike disposition and large number Their rituals and rituals are associated with war and weapons. It was considered shameful and cowardly to draw a sword from its scabbard against one’s offender and not use it, so the blade was drawn only when necessary. When a man reached the age of 63, he reached the “age of untying his belt,” and he could freely go out unarmed. The Chechen custom of blood feud, in which brothers and friends take part, is still acceptable. When a girl is kidnapped, even minors are allowed to use weapons to protect their honor and dignity.
Chechen customs and traditions
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Slide 1
- Chechens are a North Caucasian people living in the North Caucasus, the main population of Chechnya. Historically, they also live in the Khasavyurt, Novolak, Kazbekovsky, Babayurt, Kizilyurt, Kizlyar districts of Dagestan, the Sunzhensky and Malgobek Districts of Ingushetia, and the Akhmeta region of Georgia.
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Slide 2
- IN present moment the absolute majority of Chechens live in the territory Russian Federation, namely in the Chechen Republic.
- The document on the basis of which mountainous Chechnya became part of Russia was signed on January 21, 1781 and confirmed in the fall of the same year.
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Slide 3
- According to the TSB, in 1920, 0.8% of Chechens were literate, and by 1940, literacy among Chechens was 85%.
- In February 1944, the entire Chechen population (about half a million) was deported from their places of permanent residence to Central Asia.
- On January 9, 1957, the Chechens were allowed to return to their previous place of residence. A certain number of Chechens remained in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
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Slide 4
- After the First and Second Chechen war a significant number of Chechens left for countries Western Europe, to Turkey and Arab countries.
- The Chechen diaspora in the regions of the Russian Federation has also increased significantly.
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Slide 5
- The Chechen language belongs to the Nakh branch of the Nakh-Dagestan languages, included in the hypothetical Sino-Caucasian macrofamily.
- Mainly distributed in Chechen Republic, in other regions of the Russian Federation, in Georgia, and partially in Syria, Jordan and Turkey.
- Number of speakers before the war 1994-2001 - approx. 1 million people.
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Slide 6
- Most Chechens belong to the Shafi'i madhhab of Sunni Islam.
- Religion - Islam.
- Sufi Islam among the Chechens is represented by two tariqats: the Naqshbandiyya and the Qadiriyya, which in turn are divided into small religious groups - vird brotherhoods, the total number of which among the Chechens reaches thirty-two.
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Slide 7
- A constitutional order was established in Chechnya, and Akhmat Kadyrov came to power, who was later replaced by AluAlkhanov, and then Ramzan Kadyrov.
- Chechen society is very conservative.
- It is divided into tukhums, teips and gars (families).
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Chechens have been famous for their customs since ancient times. Adats (“custom” - Arabic) of the Chechens are an integral part of their daily life. Every Chechen family honors and observes the traditions passed on by the older generation.
There are quite a lot of them, we will only tell you about a few.
One of the main traditions of Chechen society is the preservation of family etiquette and honorable respect for guests. (Figure 1)
As in ancient times In modern families, guests are still always offered special guest food - boiled meat with dumplings - zhizhig galnysh. (Figure 2)
And in
In poor families, the owners always keep flatbreads with butter and cheese for a guest who may suddenly come to their house. It is noteworthy that for Chechen people characteristic of showing hospitality to anyone good man, regardless of his national, religious and ideological affiliation. Many sayings, legends, and parables are dedicated to the sacred duty of hospitality among the Chechens. Chechens say: “Where a guest does not come, grace does not come”, “A guest in the house is a joy”... One of the basic rules of Chechen hospitality is the protection of the life, honor and property of the guest, even if this involves a risk to life. The guest should not offer a fee for the reception, but he may give gifts to the children. 
The Chechen people have a special attitude towards women. A woman who is a mother among Chechens has a special social status. Since ancient times, she has been the mistress of fire and the keeper of the hearth. And in this capacity she is endowed with very special rights. No one except a woman can stop a fight between men based on blood feud. If a woman appears where blood is flowing and weapons are clanging, the mortal battle may end. A woman can stop the bloodshed by removing the scarf from her head and throwing it between the combatants. According to Western tradition, the man will let the woman pass first as a sign of respect. According to Chechen, a man, respecting and protecting a woman, always walks ahead of her. This custom has ancient roots. In the old days, on a narrow mountain path there could be very dangerous encounters: with an animal, a robber, with a blood enemy... So the man walked ahead of his companion, ready at any moment to protect her, his wife and the mother of his children.
A respectful attitude towards a woman is evidenced by the custom of greeting her only while standing. If it passes elderly woman, it is the duty of any person, regardless of age, to stand up and say hello first. The greatest shame was considered to be disrespect for the mother and her relatives.
If any girl turns to a boy or man with the words “become my brother,” they must solve any of her problems, even at the risk of their lives.
A boy and a girl can only meet in public, in public places.
The found item or money must be given to the village mullah in front of witnesses so that he can find the one who lost it.
If children quarrel or start a fight, then parents should first of all scold their children, without distinguishing which of them is right or wrong.
Interrupting the speaker is a sign of disrespect for him. In extreme cases, when circumstances require it, you need to tell the speaker: “Don’t forget your word.” Etc.
Thus, despite difficult story, the Chechen people managed to preserve their traditions and culture. Of course, the passage of time has made its own adjustments, but the customs of family education, hospitality, and respect for women still dominate among the Chechens.
Chechens also have their own traditions in clothing.
The history and culture of each nation is original and unique, and the national costume is an inseparable part of them. The living conditions of the people, geographical and climatic features, beliefs, socio-economic status influence how the costume will look and what materials it will be made from. Since ancient times, Chechens have been engaged in sheep breeding, and wool, fur, and animal skins were used to make clothes and shoes. Homespun cloth and felt were widely used.
The details of the costume not only have a decorative function, but are also a historical reflection of the life of the Chechens. Soft leather boots were comfortable for shepherds and warriors to walk through the mountains. Daggers and weapons were attached to the belt. Mandatory in Chechen national costume a hat that is sewn from sheepskin. She is a symbol of masculinity, and touching a hat means insulting a man. At the same time, it perfectly protects against cold or overheating in the bright sun.
The basis men's suit consists of a beshmet and trousers, tapering towards the bottom. The pants are tucked inside the boots. Beshmet is a specially cut semi-caftan, the length of which is approximately 10 centimeters above the knee. On holidays, a Circassian coat is worn over this half-caftan. It does not have a collar, and it is fastened only at the belt.
Its distinctive feature is the presence of so-called gas holders on both sides of the chest - small pockets for weapon charges. Although with the advent of new types of weapons the need for gasyrnitsa disappeared, they remained on the Circassian as decorative element.
The components of a woman's outfit are a tunic dress, an outer dress, a belt and a scarf. The length of the tunic dress reaches the ankles. Under this dress, women wear wide trousers, the legs of which are gathered at the ankles. Distinctive feature women's dresses - bibs and very long sleeves covering the fingers. In festive dresses, the length of the sleeves could reach the floor. Precious metals and stones were used in the manufacture of bibs. The outer dress is like a robe or cape. It only has a clasp at the waist to keep the bibs visible.
