Unwritten laws of the Cossacks

Long ago in Cossack villages traditional relations called “unwritten domestic laws” appeared. They were respected by all residents of a village and their violation caused universal condemnation. In short, they can be described as respect for the elderly , traditions of hospitality and a particular attitude towards women.

Respect for elderly people is one of the main traditions of the Cossacks. When an old man walked, in everyone had to stand up. Military men would salute and civilians took their hats off and bowed.

Traditions of hospitality characterize all the peoples of the North Caucasus. In any village a Cossack was welcomed as a respected guest. It was impolite to ask a guest where he had come from or why during the first three days. Even an old man would give his place to a guest.

The special attitude to women was caused by the life-style of the Cossacks. According to Cossack tradition, a woman shouldn’t interfere in men's business and a man shouldn’t interfere in women’s. Duties were strictly divided. A woman was highly respected, as she is a guarantee of the people's future. However, women had fewer rights than men. It was obscene for a woman to walk with her head bare. Neither should she cut her hair or wear men's clothes.

There was a tradition of bride-kidnapping if her parents were against marriage. Men would never beat women. Daughters were punished by a mother.

Children were raised by all the adults of a village. Any adult could punish a teenager. However, young people were free to make their own mistakes, nobody imposed their will on them. All these traditions were caused by the way of living in a Cossack village and helped to maintain an atmosphere of respect and discipline.

Lada Ledenevs, Stavropol Territory. Exclusively to VK.