Belarus celebrates Twelvetide

The tradition of Twelvetide is being revived in the Belarusian regions. The Twelve Days of Christmas is a season of good deeds, when it is customary to have fun, to visit relatives and friends, and sing carols. Young people also participate in the ancient rites in the Glubokoye District. Creative groups learn old songs and carols to sing them during Twelvetide. In former times, masked procession would march through the settlement to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity for the whole year. It was customary to carol from Christmas to Baptism. Or, as Belarusians of old would say, "from star to water".