NEW ETHNIC HOLIDAYS IN THE SAYAN-ALTAI

Abstract

The present article describes changes taking place in contemporary holidays in the republics of the Sayan-Altai. Specifi c holidays are analyzed in the context of a new ethnic ideology developing in the republics of Southern Siberia, Altai, Tuva, and Khakassia. Apart from giving a description of the holidays themselves, the current study draws on field materials such as interviews, surveys, scripts from festival programs, and the media including the internet and regional press. New indigenous national festivals such as El Oyin, Naadym, and Tun Pairam are shown to be a means of maintaining the ideological continuity of native Turkic traditions. Two key tendencies are observed. The fi rst is an attempt at a pan-Eurasian synthesis, and the second, the revival of archaic rituals. The latter are based partly on the reconstruction of actual rites and partly on a new ideology in which local, clan based festivals are transformed into official, national events.