Seeing off for the army

Seeing the army in the old days was more dramatic. The reasons for the fun were not, because the guy left for a long time, the service was dangerous, often the soldiers did not return home at all alive. Therefore, on the wires, as a rule, crying, saying goodbye to the recruit. The rite gave rise to many customs, which also had a sad character. Guys called up for military service were released from all household chores, from work on the field. They ceased to lead a habitual way of life, they were not allowed to see girls and communicate with unmarried youth. Sadness from despair and the need to say goodbye literally permeates all the recruit songs and the dignity of their loved ones.

Beginning in the mid-20th century, the traditions that accompanied the sending-off to the army underwent some changes. Disappears tragedy, there is only sadness from the need for separation. Now the theme of recruiting folklore is connected with the joyful expectation of the meeting, the promise of the bride to be true, the hope for a future happy life. On the other hand, in part the elements of the old rituals are included in the modern send-offs to the army. Some customs are slightly modified, others are remembered, and they have a second life. At the same time for every locality there is a set of well-established traditions.

For example, in one of the villages the "Christmas tree" was decorated, a branch that the draftee was breaking, and she was dressed up and was waiting for his return. Usually they allowed to decorate the bride. She tied ribbons, scarves, handkerchiefs on herringbone. Or they decorated the arcs of horses with ribbons. Seeing-off in the army was arranged in the evening. Only the relatives gathered at home. The bride was not supposed to be present, she could come in, but she did not go beyond the threshold. The rest sat at the table. They sang songs in which the young warrior was admonishing. Then the wishes and advice from already served men sounded. The servants were sitting in the house till morning. The conscript was not allowed to drink alcohol. In the morning, on the day of the gatherings, he had to be sober, collected and serious, because he had a great responsibility to serve his homeland.

In another area there was a different tradition. It was supposed that the villagers knew in person each recruit, knew who his parents were. Therefore, the guys made a special detour, went into each house and reported that they were drafted into the army. They walked with a large box behind them, in which they put what the villagers gave them. Usually these were eggs, but pies and pieces of fat came across. Then they walked to the river, made a fire and made a "worldly" fried egg. Not giving the recruits meant not to wish them to stay alive.

In the postwar period, the boys served for 7 years. It was accepted to give gifts. The girls presented handkerchiefs or pouches. And the guys took with them a photo of the bride. Returning from the army, the sons brought mothers a beautiful headscarf as a gift.

At the present time, seeing off in the army has not changed much in the villages. The script in the cities, of course, is different from the village one. Here, relatives can arrange a whole celebration, celebrate it at home or gather all friends and friends and take a walk in the restaurant. However, this is done in advance, since the draftee needs to be cheerful and fresh on the day of collection. On the day of the holiday, you can order video and photography to leave a memory of this day. Sending off to the army is trying to spend fun, without tears. Native can prepare some comic collages: the rookie commands the company, here he is on the tank, that's on the plane. A guy must be well fed before he leaves. It's best to pamper him with delicious homemade food, and let him choose his favorite dishes. After all, he will not be able to try them for a long time now.

As for gifts to draftees, there is one rule here: it should be a simple, inexpensive gift, which "grandfathers" do not pretend to be. For example, a calendar in which the date of a demo is especially marked, a photo album, a pen and a notepad, and other practical items.