Shagaa is a new year according to the lunar calendar, one of the biggest holidays in the Tuvin calendar. The New Year celebration falls on the beginning of the white moon according to the lunar calendar.Tuvans celebrate the new year, observing the 12-year cycle, where each year corresponds to a certain kind of animal: the year of the mouse (piece), cow (yenek), tiger (pair), rabbit (toolai), dragon (ulu), snake (chylan), Horses (sheep), sheep (hoi), monkeys (swords), chicken (dagaa), dogs (ym), pigs (havan). The date of the holiday is determined by lamas or astrologers. New Year comes not at midnight, but with the sunrise on the first New Year's Day. The ancient Tuvans determined the exact time on their own hand: it was believed that the change of night and day occurs at a time when it becomes possible to see the lines on the open palm. The new year is celebrated in Tuva in spring, because only after the lambing of livestock, which occurred in the early spring, could the annual cycle be considered complete.
At dawn, people burn sang, "treat" the fire with food and express their wishes in the coming year. The hostess welcomes the first ray of the sun with freshly brewed tea, spraying it in accordance with the established tradition in the direction of the parts of the world. Having greeted the sun, the land and the Great Motherland - Tuva, be sure to treat this tea with children and all who are in the yurt. Three steps from the entrance to the yurt there is a "san" - a censer, which is ignited by coal from the house.
One of the most important, spectacular components of the holiday in the old days were competitions of "eaters" with a very significant prize fund. The strength and agility of this man was confirmed not only in the games, but also his heroic appetite. The rich Tuvinians exhibited their horse and cut the fattest, hollowed sheep-itt. In the huge Chinese cauldron (used only at funerals and weddings) with the name "tos tanma", which determined its capacity (nine abysses), the whole carcass could fit. Overpowered food - took away the horse. Now compete in eating dumplings, boas and meat soup.
A few days before the onset of the step, the territory of the village or aal is carefully cleaned. The dwellings inside and outside are cleaned of snow, dirt and dust. Felt carpets, leather packs, bed, clothes, shoes are taken out and cleaned in the snow, all old ones are thrown away or burned. This is a rite of exorcism and evil from the house.On Shagaa everyone should show hospitality, on a holiday in each yurt they get specially stored food. On the eve of Shagaa, a large number of meals are prepared for everyone who comes on a holiday on a visit.On the night before Shagaa it is advisable not to sleep. People who fell asleep that night are considered dead and will not be leading them in the new year.
Photo http://www.tuvaonline.ru
Photo http://tuvasemya.ru
At dawn, people burn sang, "treat" the fire with food and express their wishes in the coming year. The hostess welcomes the first ray of the sun with freshly brewed tea, spraying it in accordance with the established tradition in the direction of the parts of the world. Having greeted the sun, the land and the Great Motherland - Tuva, be sure to treat this tea with children and all who are in the yurt. Three steps from the entrance to the yurt there is a "san" - a censer, which is ignited by coal from the house.
One of the most important, spectacular components of the holiday in the old days were competitions of "eaters" with a very significant prize fund. The strength and agility of this man was confirmed not only in the games, but also his heroic appetite. The rich Tuvinians exhibited their horse and cut the fattest, hollowed sheep-itt. In the huge Chinese cauldron (used only at funerals and weddings) with the name "tos tanma", which determined its capacity (nine abysses), the whole carcass could fit. Overpowered food - took away the horse. Now compete in eating dumplings, boas and meat soup.
