belarussian_character

1

Tolerance is one of the most typical features of the Belarusian people. It manifests itself in such a sphere as national and religious relations. We have always been tolerant towards representatives of other nations, religions, all those who possess other ideology and mode of thinking. Peaceful co-existence of the Belarusians with other ethnic groups is the evidence of it. Because of the tolerance and patience of the Belarusian people, our national culture used to be influenced by the neighboring ones.But the Belarusian people can be considered the people who saved their original spiritual mode in spite of all historical changes and mixing with other ethnos.

In all historical epochs, the Belarusians were characterized with such a peculiar feature as sincere love and respect towards the land and the native corner that impressed greatly the foreigners who came here. For example, there are such popular expressions: "Everyone likes his native corner", "The dearest is the house where the mother gave you the life", "In the native country one feels like in paradise". The Belarusians' love to the Motherland was often identified to the attachment not to the country on the whole but to some small locality - man's own land , his settlement, his own house. This is why the Belarusian people are often called "the land nation" or "people stay-at-home". Deep respect towards elder family members is also a peculiar feature of the Belarusian national character.

The Belarusian people preferred light colors in cloths and interiors. One of hypotheses states that it caused the origin of the ethnic name "Belarusians" from the word "Biely" -"White". The symbolical meaning of the white color is moral purity, kindness, beauty.

2

Patriotic feelings and readiness for protection of the native land manifested in the Belarusian national character in all times, especially brightly - during wars and historical turning points. Such patriotism reflected not only in the oral poetic creativity of the people but in certain deeds as well. Indeed, there were a lot of events in the Belarusian history that can be considered to be examples of heroism, courage and patriotism.

Significant features of the Belarusian ideology are manifested in their attitude towards religion, the church and religious rituals. One the whole, the Belarusian people are pious enough. However, a farsighted Belarusian man would say: "Pray God but don't provoke devil's wrath".

It's easy to note that the majority of people who have ever come to Belarus underlined that the Belarusians are sincere and hospitable people. Indeed, we can still hear: "The guest in the house - the God is in the house". The Belarusian people were ready to share everything with the neighbors. However, the Belarusian got accustomed with the necessity to gain everything due to his own hard work. He understands the importance of the work in the life, its inevitable complications. "It's no use to look for bread without work". During centuries, practically unstopped hard work saved people from poverty and starvation. There were enough wars, epidemics and natural disasters in the history of our country. But the Belarusian people found powerful living forces that allowed them to survive in the most complicated situations. Optimism and humor are the qualities that allowed the generations of our compatriots to hope for the better.