Question

1. What do you know about traditional Belarusian crafts? 2. What did our ancestors believe in?3. Role play a conversation. You are at the "Our Grunwald"festival. Decide on what you want to do there.4. Recommend a Belarusian festival to your British friend.5. What is your favourite Belarusian tradition? Describe it.​

Answer 1

Ответ:

Объяснение:

What do you know about traditional Belarusian crafts?

The culture of handicraft in Belarus is a tradition going back centuries.

Weaving and embroidery are among the most famous traditional Belarusian crafts. Blue flax flowers decorate the coat of arms of Belarus. You can find a wide range of linen (made from flax) goods such as tablecloths, napkins, bedding curtains, clothes, amulet dolls, embroidered shirts, and towels.

Straw weaving is a tradition that goes back to a time when the grain was cut by hand. It was believed that “the spirit of the harvest” lived in the grain. In the past, people covered the roofs of their houses with straw and used straw to make clothes, footwear, hats, toys, and decorations. It was also used as bedding for domestic animals. Various figurines made from straw were not just toys but amulet-protectors.

Pottery has been a popular craft in different regions of Belarus since ancient times. Each artisan had his own secrets of making things from clay. Belarusian women knew that milk remained (оставалось /заставалася) fresh for longer in a ceramic jug, and dishes of national cuisine cooked in clay pots were incredibly tasty.

There was only some of belarusian crafts. In my opinion belarusian crafts are the most interesting and great.

What did our ancestors believe in?

In the past, people called an unexpected caller the most welcome visitor, as they believed God had sent him to their place. They also thought that God would punish the host who closed the door for a person in need. Hospitable Belarusians welcomed not only their relatives and neighbours but also strangers. There were different customs of receiving guests in different parts of Belarus but politeness and hospitality were common to all. A visitor was always invited to have a meal together with the hosts. After the meal, the hostess made a straw bed for the traveller and the host generously fed his horse with oat. They were sure that if they themselves got into such a situation, other people would treat them in the same way. Guests usually shared the latest news they had heard while travelling. In the past, people studied animals’ behaviour to know whether they should expect a visitor: a cat washing itself, a barking dog, a spider climbing down its web and a rooster singing on the gates were all signs of the arrival of a visitor.

Answer 2

1. Traditional Belarusian Crafts: Traditional Belarusian crafts are an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. Some notable Belarusian crafts include:

• Straw Weaving: Belarusians are known for weaving intricate patterns and designs from straw. This craft is often used to create decorative items like dolls, ornaments, and traditional headwear.

• Pottery: Pottery has a long history in Belarus, with artisans creating both functional and decorative ceramics. The pottery of Belarus often features unique designs and patterns.

• Wood Carving: Woodworking is another traditional craft in Belarus. Artisans carve intricate designs on wooden items such as furniture, utensils, and decorative objects.

• Embroidery: Belarusian embroidery is characterized by colorful and intricate patterns often seen on clothing, tablecloths, and other textiles.

• Lace Making: Lace making, particularly bobbin lace, is a skilled craft in Belarus. Lace is used for clothing embellishments and decorative purposes.

2. Beliefs of Ancestors: Belarus has a rich cultural history with a blend of different influences over the centuries. Historically, the Belarusian people practiced a mix of pagan and Christian beliefs. Pagan beliefs included reverence for nature, spirits, and rituals tied to agricultural seasons. With the Christianization of Belarus, Orthodox Christianity became prevalent, but elements of pagan traditions persisted in folklore and celebrations. In more recent history, Belarus has experienced various religious influences, including Catholicism and Judaism. Today, Belarus is a predominantly Christian Orthodox country, and many Belarusians follow Christian traditions and customs.

3. Role Play at "Our Grunwald" Festival: Character: You, a visitor at the "Our Grunwald" festival.

You've come to the "Our Grunwald" festival to immerse yourself in Belarusian culture and history. Your goal is to explore and engage with the local traditions and activities. You decide to start by:

1. Visiting the artisan stalls to admire and maybe purchase some traditional Belarusian crafts.
2. Attending a folklore performance showcasing traditional music and dance.
3. Trying some authentic Belarusian cuisine, such as draniki (potato pancakes) or kalduny (dumplings).
4. Joining a workshop to learn a traditional craft, like straw weaving or pottery.
5. Participating in the reenactment of historical events, like the Battle of Grunwald.

You're excited to fully immerse yourself in the festival and gain a deeper understanding of Belarusian culture and history.

4. Recommend a Belarusian Festival to Your British Friend: You can recommend the "Kupalle" festival to your British friend. Kupalle is a traditional Belarusian midsummer celebration that takes place on the night of June 23rd, also known as Ivan Kupala Night. The festival includes various rituals and activities:

• Jumping over bonfires for good luck and purification.
• Searching for the mythical "fern flower" believed to bring happiness and wealth.
• Wreath-making using wildflowers and herbs, which are then set afloat on rivers and streams.
• Singing and dancing, often accompanied by traditional music.

Kupalle is a vibrant and mystical celebration that offers a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into Belarusian folklore.

5. Favorite Belarusian Tradition: As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences, but I can describe a favorite Belarusian tradition for you. One of the beloved Belarusian traditions is the celebration of Maslenitsa, also known as "Pancake Week." Maslenitsa is a week-long celebration that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People gather to enjoy delicious pancakes (blini) and participate in various activities such as sledding, dancing, and traditional games.

The highlight of Maslenitsa is the burning of a straw effigy known as "Lady Maslenitsa" or "Shrovetide." This ritual symbolizes the farewell to winter and the welcoming of the warmer season. It's a joyous and festive time when families and communities come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds.