A Domostroi family: a medieval relic or an ideal recipe for living together?
A Domostroi family: a medieval relic or an ideal recipe for living together?

Video: A Domostroi family: a medieval relic or an ideal recipe for living together?

Video: A Domostroi family: a medieval relic or an ideal recipe for living together?
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Domostroi family
Domostroi family

Family perception and attitude to marriage in Russia significantly different from modern ideas. The constantly growing number of divorces and remarriages today makes many people say that the institution of the family has long outlived its usefulness. In this regard, it is interesting to refer to the experience of our ancestors, collected in the middle of the 16th century. into a single set of rules for family life - "Domostroy" … Many postulates seem cruel and barbaric by today's standards, but among these rules were quite reasonable advice aimed at fostering respect for the family.

K. Makovsky. A scene from the boyar life of the 17th century
K. Makovsky. A scene from the boyar life of the 17th century
The dominant role in the family was played by a man
The dominant role in the family was played by a man

Tyranny, oppression of women, domestic lawlessness are usually associated with the domestic order, but this is not entirely true. Strict discipline and subordination were indeed assumed. During the Middle Ages in Russia, the traditional Christian model of marriage became the main one: the patriarchal monogamous family, which was a micromodel of society. Relations in it were built in the image of relations in the state. Therefore, the dominant role was played by the "sovereign", that is, the husband. A person without a family was considered an inferior member of society.

Domostroy
Domostroy

The priest Sylvester is considered to be the author of Domostroi, although he was more likely not an author, but an editor who brought together the rules and regulations that had existed for a long time. The postulates of "Domostroi" relate not only to family life, but also to everyday life in general, this is a collection of practical recommendations: how to properly run a household, how to receive guests, how to take care of livestock, how to cook food, how to build relationships, etc. There are recipes for all occasions.

Domostroi family - the highest value
Domostroi family - the highest value

Human life in the Middle Ages was strictly regulated, the postulates of "Domostroi" were unconditionally believed and adhered to. The Orthodox Church allowed one person to marry no more than three times. The solemn wedding ceremony was usually performed only at the first marriage. The family was a value that had to be protected throughout life. Divorce was rare.

N. Pimonenko. Matchmakers
N. Pimonenko. Matchmakers

The woman in the house must be "clean and obedient." Her main responsibilities are to bring up children and keep order in the house. Children were raised in severity, punishments were provided for offenses: “Execute your son in your youth, and he will rest you in your old age. Do not get tired of hitting him: even though you hit him with a rod, he will not die, but he will be healthier, you hit him on the body, and you save your soul from death. " For a modern person, this is nonsense, but the whole medieval pedagogy was built on corporal punishment.

The main task of a woman was raising children
The main task of a woman was raising children
Children were raised with carrots and sticks
Children were raised with carrots and sticks

In special cases, it was also allowed to beat the wife: "If the wife does not listen to words and does not have fear, then lash with a whip, just not in front of people, but in private." But it was impossible to hit on the head and under the heart - the crippled wife would no longer be able to bear children and do the housework. You can not beat for any offense, and after punishment, the wife should be pitied and caressed. Punishment can also be a "command", an instruction. However, punishment is not what cements family life. The main message is that everyone should mind their own business and try to fulfill their responsibilities.

The main task of a woman was raising children
The main task of a woman was raising children

The advice concerned not only family life, but also coexistence in society: it was recommended to help people "in every need", "who is worse than you" - the poor, hungry, sick, prisoners, etc. At the same time, one should not boast of good deeds. You need to endure insults and forgive, since good is pleasing to God. The basis of communication is traditional Christian values: do not steal, do not lie, do not be angry, do not envy, do not offend, do not fornicate, etc.

Kindness and obedience are the main female virtues
Kindness and obedience are the main female virtues
The dominant role in the family was played by a man
The dominant role in the family was played by a man

Of course, many of Domostroi's postulates are outdated, and traditional roles in the family have long been redistributed. Domestic violence cannot be justified. But the very attitude to home as a stronghold, a fortress, an unshakable value - not only deserves attention, but also awaits revival in the modern world.

Domostroy
Domostroy

We lived by these rules Russian families before the revolution: homebuilding, many children, grandfather and grandmother

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