#koledo

Few moments from celebration of Božić* by the members of Lug Velesa. *Božić, Koročun, Koledo are Slavic terms for winter solstice

Celebration of the winter solstice (Božić) by the members of Lug Velesa.

Celebration of Božić* among members of “Lug Velesa”. *winter solstice

Masked processions are one of the main elements in the customs of the winter period.  Zoomorphic and anthropomorphic masks were crafted by the younger men. They would march from house to house throughout the region, while carrying the bells, singing the songs and making an extraordinary amount of noise, while locals would provided them with different kinds of offerings. Their primary task is to scare away evil spirits, and bring fertility to household. In this zoomorphic costumes they would represent ancestors, who came from otherworld to help during the winter and indicate forthcoming renewal of the vegetation. In the time of winter period cult of ancestors and cult of vegetation are particularly intertwined.

"Ivanjsko cveće petranjsko,  Ivanjsko cveće rujano,  Petranjsko cveće plavetno! Ivan ga bere te bere, Petar ga plete te plete. Ivan ga bere te bere, Daje ga bratu do sebe Svom mlađem bratu Koledu. Dajući brata moljaše: „Aj mio brate Koledo! Evo ti cvetak moj dajem Čuvaj ga divni Koledo. Čuvaj ga pa ga sačuvaj Do moga čudna rođenja Do tvoga strašna umrenja Umrenja brata Koleda Starijeg brata Božića,  Sinova starog Svaroga.“ Petar mi cvetak primaše, Petar mi venac vijaše Pa veli bratu Kupalu: „Oj mio brate Kupalo, Stariji brate Ivane, Primam ti cvetak i život Do moga strašnog umrenja I našeg brata rođenja Rođenja mladog Božića Sina nam starog Svaroga.“ I wish you all a merry Solstice :)