Ossetian Culture

With its ancient roots and distribution across Western Europe, Central Asia and North Africa, the Ossetians have made great contributions to international culture, including winemaking techniques, linguistic contributions to Romance and Germanic languages and a rich body of song and folklore.

Some historians believe that the legendary King Arthur of the Britons originally descended from the Alan tribes.

Religions

During ancient times, Ossetians practiced monotheism (Stir Khutso- Great God, the Creator) and in the early Middle Ages converted to Christianity. The majority of Ossetians are Orthodox Christians, but other religions have also taken root among the population.

Dancing

Dancing has always been an essential part of all folk festivities in Ossetia. It is a reflection of the country's ancient culture, which has a close connection to early pagan and later Christian ceremonies and beliefs. Ossetian dances are closely connected to fertility rituals. Sir J.G. Frazer, the famous researcher of magical and religious beliefs, once noted that all across Europe dancing and high leaping served as a "patent homeopathic medium" that allegedly brought good crops... READ MORE

Ossetian Pie

In Ossetia a collective meal called "kuvd" with its toast-prayers serves as the main expression of reverence for God. The Ossetians turn to God in joy and in sorrow; whether it is a wedding, or a funeral, family meeting, or birthday, there is always an occasion for a feast. Not surprisingly, the process of food preparation and the eating customs of the ancient Ossetian culture are ritual and ceremonial in nature, and play an important role in the socio-cultural life of the people... READ MORE