When snow falls down and when there are no work in the farmstead, when the cattle is in the cattle-pen and bread is in the granary, comforting period of time begins in the life of a Chuvash . Because he doesn't have any time to rest in spring, summer and autumn - these three seasons look like one long hard working day. He should be in a hurry with cultivation and harvesting, because the climate is very severe. You don't notice how winter comes. However after harvesting Chuvashs begin to brew the beer using new rye. While there is winter outdoors and they have beer feast continue. Very often relatives and close friends visit each other to have fun. Fathers-in-law give the dowry - cattle - to their daughters. As a rule South Chuvash pagans celebrate these winter feasts during the first two weeks of the new moon. They slaughter a sheep or a goose on the occasion of feasts. During winter feasts they have a lot of plentiful regalements and they are in good spirits.

The religious character is reflected in the prayer over the open barrel of beer. Only after the prayer they begin to drink it. (Look the Chapter about sacrifices by beer). After beer Chuvashs get good spirits. During the nights they sing beautiful fest guest songs, the best examples of Chuvash national poetry. Singing in not only a natural thing, but it is also a duty of everybody. The host will feel hurt if somebody leaves his place without singing.

Here I offer you some fest guest songs:

Gallery