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Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations

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The Khakas celebrated their New Year, or Chyl Pazy, on March 19. The date marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The Khakas celebrated their New Year, or Chyl Pazy, on March 19. The date marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

© RIA Novosti . Andrey NovikovThe Khakas celebrated their New Year, or Chyl Pazy, on March 19. The date marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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The Khakas celebrated their New Year, or Chyl Pazy, on March 19. The date marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankA favorite festival in Khakassia, Chyl Pazy marks the beginning of a new life.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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A favorite festival in Khakassia, Chyl Pazy marks the beginning of a new life.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankChyl Pazy also includes a festival of traditional cuisine. Cooks from every municipal region prepared local dishes for the celebrations this year.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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Chyl Pazy also includes a festival of traditional cuisine. Cooks from every municipal region prepared local dishes for the celebrations this year.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankPotkhu, a national Khakas gruel with sour cream.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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Potkhu, a national Khakas gruel with sour cream.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankChyl Pazy is celebrated after the spring equinox on March 22. Three bonfires are lit near a birch – a sacred tree for the Khakas. A sacral fire is lit to the east where people pray and ask the life-giving fire for a better life and fate. A cooking fire is lit to the southwest. And a fire for burning black “chalama” is lit to the northwest. “Chalama” is a special ribbon tied in knots denoting the number of illnesses and troubles a person had the previous year.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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Chyl Pazy is celebrated after the spring equinox on March 22. Three bonfires are lit near a birch – a sacred tree for the Khakas. A sacral fire is lit to the east where people pray and ask the life-giving fire for a better life and fate. A cooking fire is lit to the southwest. And a fire for burning black “chalama” is lit to the northwest. “Chalama” is a special ribbon tied in knots denoting the number of illnesses and troubles a person had the previous year.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankOther “chalama” with requests and wishes are tied to the sacred birch tree known as the “khazyn.”

Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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Other “chalama” with requests and wishes are tied to the sacred birch tree known as the “khazyn.”

© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankA white ribbon denotes clean thoughts and intentions. A red ribbon symbolizes the sun: warmth, life and prosperity. A blue ribbon means clear skies and a connection with the cosmos and the “upper world.”
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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A white ribbon denotes clean thoughts and intentions. A red ribbon symbolizes the sun: warmth, life and prosperity. A blue ribbon means clear skies and a connection with the cosmos and the “upper world.”
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankChyl Pazy celebrations include a contest for takhpakh (folktale) performers.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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Chyl Pazy celebrations include a contest for takhpakh (folktale) performers.
© RIA Novosti . Andrey NovikovThe festival includes eating eggs consecrated by the “spirit of Earth.”
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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The festival includes eating eggs consecrated by the “spirit of Earth.”
© RIA Novosti . Andrey Novikov / Go to the mediabankA ritual egg is a symbol of new life. According to Khakas legend, anyone who touches the egg three times, feeling its warmth, is granted three wishes.
Khakas welcome spring during Chyl Pazy celebrations - Sputnik International
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A ritual egg is a symbol of new life. According to Khakas legend, anyone who touches the egg three times, feeling its warmth, is granted three wishes.
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