Trinity in Matyushino: how a folk ritual became the hallmark of the district

      For 40 years, summer has been welcomed on the Volga bank with a birch tree, round dances, and a kvass festival. Every year, an ancient Russian tradition comes to life on the right bank of the Volga. In the village of Matyushino, the Trinity has been celebrated with great enthusiasm for over three decades - the day when nature fully comes into its own, with the young birch tree becoming the main symbol. This year, the festivities took place for the 40th time. - The Holy Trinity is the most beautiful folk holiday, which has become a kind of brand by which the Verkhneuslonsky district is recognized. Participation in the rituals is an opportunity to touch our past, to understand the strength and power of Russian traditions, commented one of the organizers, Alexey Kuzmin, the son of the festival's founder. Indeed, the tradition, which arose spontaneously, today attracts many tourists. Locals recall that back in 1986, local women - wonderful singers - gathered on the bank, danced round dances, sang ritual songs, and "drowned" the birch tree in the river. Nina Kuzmina from Kazan, now a distinguished figure in the arts of the Republic of Tatarstan, learned about those gatherings. At first, Nina Petrovna simply recorded what she heard, but in 1993 she came to the Trinity with her folklore group "Kolyada," becoming the main organizer of the holiday. Other creative people followed her lead. Today, her main assistant in organizing the holiday is her son Alexey. Since 2015, the festivities in Matyushino have received official status and have begun to acquire new bright details. For example, cultural workers in the district came up with a kvass festival. Those interested can not only refresh themselves but also enjoy okroshka made with this traditional Russian drink, as well as buy kvass to take home. The stalls are always lively. This year, guests were treated to pies with various fillings and hot pancakes - which were baked on-site by Natalia Kotova, the head of the Lower Uslon Rural House of Culture. Year after year, the holiday features an exhibition and sale of folk crafts. Masters conduct workshops on painting wooden and plaster souvenirs - all with the symbolism of the Trinity. Guests are welcomed by the deputy head of the executive committee, Artem Makarov, the head of the Oktyabrsky settlement, Shamil Azizov, and, of course, the unchanging inspirer, Nina Kuzmina. In April, she turned 83, but every year she not only attends but actively participates: she advises, reminds, tells stories, and sings. Her folklore group remains the main active participant, and Nina Petrovna herself is the ideological heart. Before heading out for the main symbol - the birch tree - the creative groups give the audience a concert. This year, the audience was delighted by unique ensembles from Kazan: "Village Cat," "If You Don't Like It, Don't Listen," "Lad," "Vaguda," "Kolyada," and the folk choir of the Kazan Institute of Culture. From our district, "Kalinushka" from Pechish performed. Then the procession, singing, moves to the outskirts of the village - to the house where Anastasia Kuzovenina once lived, one of those who stood at the origins of the holiday. The woman is no longer alive, but her relatives prepare a young birch tree every year. The procession is led by unmarried girls and women. Those who wish tie ribbons to the branches, make wishes, and return back. The birch tree set up in the center of the square is surrounded by round dances. In the first circle, as is customary, children go. When the songs are sung, the participants set off again - now to the river, to "drown" the tree. The ribbons are untied, and branches are broken off as keepsakes: it is believed that if they are kept until the next Trinity, the wish will surely come true. The birch tree floats down the Volga current, followed by the wreaths of unmarried girls. The procession returns to the square in a special formation - in two lines, taking turns passing each other. It is gratifying that the procession is led by young girls and boys who preserve the traditions. And again, ancient Russian songs sound over the Volga. In the finale, Artem Makarov and Shamil Azizov present letters of gratitude to the leaders of the groups - for the revival of traditional culture and active participation. It is hard to part with this warm place. Guests continue to sing songs, rejoice in the meeting, and communicate - until next summer.

      Natalia Buzunova