Winter Traditions of the Peoples of the Far East: Between the Eastern Calendar and Soviet Heritage Introduction: The Multidimensionality of the Holiday The Far East of Russia, a unique region with a high level of ethnic and cultural diversity (Slavic, indigenous Tungus-Manchu, Paleoasiatic, Nivkh peoples, as well as influences from neighboring China, Korea, and Japan), is a complex conglomerate of New Year traditions. Here, several layers overlap: the official secular New Year (January 1st), remnants of Soviet ritualism, the deeply rooted Eastern (lunar, Chinese) New Year with its animal cycle, and authentic pre-Christian rituals of indigenous peoples, associated with the winter solstice and the beginning of a new natural cycle. Indigenous Peoples: Welcoming the New Sun and Spirits of Nature Before the arrival of Russian settlers, indigenous ethnic groups did not have a calendar holiday at the end of December. Their main winter rituals were timed to the winter solstice — the moment of "the sun's rebirth." Nanai, Ulchi, Orochi: The festival "Délun" or "Dégani" was associated with the worship of spirits-owners of the taiga, water, and fire. The most important ritual was feeding the fire and spirits of ancestors with ritual porridge or bread. Wooden figures of animals ("wooden idols") were hung on trees as an offering for successful hunting. Ritual dances in masks and special noisy skirts (to ward off evil spirits) imitated hunting and flattered spirits. Nivkhs: The main winter festival was "Myl-muv" ("bear festival"), which could take place at different times, but often was held in winter. Although its central meaning was the ritual killing and farewell to the bear spirit — the owner of the taiga, it also included elements of farewell to the old and the welcoming of a new cycle. The festival included complex theatrical performances, pantomime in masks, and the recitation of epic tales. Evens and Evenks (Tunguses): They conducted rituals dedicated to the meeting of the ... Read more