Why did they take bears through the streets in Russia, and why the emperor forbade this fun?

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Today, a man with a dog on the street is not surprising. But if not a cute dog, but a shaggy bear were walking on a leash, perhaps it would have caused panic. Unless it's shooting some kind of film or show about animals. But in old Russia, up to the 60s of the 19th century, in cities and villages, one could very often see a clubfoot, which was led along the road. Children and adults watched with delight as the bear performed various tricks. This fun was very common and popular. Where did this tradition come from?

The image of a bear in pagan mythology

In pre-Christian times in Russia, the bear was considered a divine being. He was never called an animal, but other names were found: Toptygin, Mikhailo Potapych, a creature, “the place of honey”. Today, not many people know such nicknames as "tyukh-tyukhnya" or "mav-mavta". Simpler variants "clubfoot", "brown" are known to this day.

In ancient times, it was believed that a person has a common origin with him, since the feet of a bear, his fingers and eyes are very similar to human ones. By the way, the habit of the brown man to suck his paw in Christian Russia was associated with the observance of the Nativity fast by people.

A powerful, dangerous animal, personifying excellent, heroic health and strength, capable of protecting its offspring. It is not for nothing that at an old Russian wedding, the young were called a bear and a bear, and for the first wedding night they laid a bear skin. A wonderful family man, a strict owner and king of the forest - these are the qualities attributed to this animal. He was considered both the guardian and the patron saint of shepherds, and even supposedly was able to remove spoilage from the animal.

Here are how many amazing qualities. Therefore, very often the bear was taken around the villages and villages. Accompanied by a crowd of onlookers, the clubfoot took a walk, at the same time guaranteeing a rich harvest and protecting from the evil eye of domestic animals.

Why did the peasants love to look at bears and invite them to their yard?

Taking advantage of the fact that the peasants attributed incredible abilities to the bear, enterprising people took the animal through the villages. A thick, strong chain was used, which was attached to the pet's nose with a ring. The peasants wanted the bear to protect the livestock and drive out evil spirits from the barn. It is clear that the four-legged could not do this, but an imperceptible jerk for the nose ring made him growl.

The owners believed that the bear thus showed that the evil spirits were nearby and was trying to drive them out. They paid generously for this. The owner of the bear added fuel to the fire by casting incomprehensible spells and gently scratching the bear's ear. The beast calmed down, its muzzle became contented, and the peasants believed that the evil spirits were expelled.

Often, businessmen were asked to determine the gender of the baby who was supposed to be born. How it happened: the bear was offered a treat, and if he ate it without a roar and with pleasure, they said that a boy would be born. Otherwise, a girl. This is such an ancient Russian ultrasound diagnostics.

Over time, the bear driving ritual turned into an ordinary village or city fun, which, by the way, was not approved by the church.

What were the "fun bear representations"

Gradually, from a sacred ritual, driving a bear turned into a kind of circus performance. These amazing animals had various talents: they could dance, play a marching soldier, stand on their front paws, and even drink mash. All this brought the owners a good profit, and they tried to teach the pet as many tricks as possible, because the income depended on this.

Suffice it to recall the modern circus, where bears ride bicycles, and it becomes clear how fascinating the performances were. Moreover, bears have a good memory, they are quick-witted and very dexterous, despite their awkward appearance. Perfectly trained, remember commands.

The business of growing and training furry artists flourished widely. Menageries were created offering bears for performances, the most famous cities where you could buy an animal were Poshekhon and Smorgon.

Decree of Alexander II on the prohibition of driving bears

If ordinary people gazed at bears with pleasure, then clergymen and animal lovers were against it. The latter even formed a society for the protection of these animals (this happened in 1865). It included fifty active participants. Basic requirements: prohibit bearish representations on the territory of the Russian Empire as incompatible with the concept of mercy. Of course, they were right, since in order to make an obedient artist out of the bear, the owners very often used beatings and other cruel methods.

The result has been achieved. In 1866, Emperor Alexander II issued a decree banning the driving of bears for any purpose. Everything would be fine, but only the consequences were unpleasant. The demand for club-footed artists fell, they no longer brought easy money to the owners, and the animals simply began to be destroyed. Some bears were lucky to be kept alive. Trained bears were now only allowed to be kept in circuses.

But the memory remained. During Christmas and Maslenitsa celebrations, some of the participants in traditional rituals dressed up in bearskin. Shaggy carollers on chains, together with the crowd of celebrants, wandered around the courtyards, performed tricks, danced, that is, they continued to amuse the people instead of forbidden animals.

Also, this animal was noted in Russian fairy tales. There is even a version why did the bear actually steal Masha.