A unique cultural monument remained to contemporaries from the inhabitants of ancient Russia. Compiled in the 16th century, the book was the only correct guide, not only for those who build a house. She was taken as a basis in matters of creating a family and housekeeping. What is Domostroy, what was it for our ancestors and what is its significance for historians? Let's try to figure it out.
Encyclopedia of the Household of Ancient Russia
"Domostroy" is a set of rules and tips for every day. He combined the spiritual and the mundane. No wonder this book became the first "Encyclopedia of the Household" - that's what "Domostroy" is.
In addition to advice and recommendations, it contained the rules for conducting ritual ceremonies. Weddings, festivities, and daily pastimes were to be consistent with this book.
Some foreigners are mistakenly convinced that the contents of Domostroy are known to all residents of Russia without exception.
The appearance of "Domostroy"
In the 16th century, the number of handwritten books increased. They were very valuable. Instead of parchment, paper was successfully used, which was delivered toRussia from Europe. Therefore, the creation of "Domostroy" could be both in handwritten form and in printed form. Some researchers report two versions of the old encyclopedia. One of them has a very ancient style, strict, but correct and wise. And the second is stuffed with rigid and strange orders.
Domostroy appeared (the year of creation is not known for certain) in the first half of the 16th century in Veliky Novgorod.
The predecessors were such Slavic collections with teachings and recommendations as "Chrysostom", "Izmaragd", "Golden Chain".
In "Domostroy" all previously published knowledge and norms were summarized. Exploring Monomakh's Teaching, one can find much in common in the rules of moral behavior of different eras.
Who owns the authorship?
Opinions about the creators of the unique encyclopedia differ. Some researchers are sure that the author of "Domostroy" is the confessor of Ivan the Terrible - Archpriest Sylvester. He created a book for the guidance of the king. Others believe that Sylvester just rewrote Domostroy in the middle of the 16th century.
Summary
It is worth studying the content of this book on the household to understand what it required and why it was so revered by the church. If we take the creation of Sylvester as a basis, then it has a preface, a message from son to father and almost 70 (more precisely 67) chapters. They were reunited in the main sections devoted to the spiritual, worldly, family, cooking.
Almost all chapters have a close connection with Christian rulesand commandments. After the "instruction of the father to the son," the next chapter tells how it is right for Christians to believe in the Holy Trinity and the Most Pure Mother of God. It tells how to worship holy relics and holy powers.
The author of "Domostroy" tells readers in detail how to bow, be baptized, take communion, use prosphora. What is forbidden to do in the temple.
Great importance in the book is given to the veneration of the king and any ruler, which united the importance for the people of the church and the ruler.
Teaching a father to his son
I would like to get acquainted with the book "Domostroy", a summary of which is described above, in a little more detail.
A special place is occupied by the most important instruction of "Domostroy" - the commandment of the father. Turning to his son, he first of all blesses him. Further, he instructs his son, his wife and children to live according to Christian laws, with truth and a clear conscience, believing and keeping the commandments of God. The father gives these lines to his son and his household and emphasizes: "If you do not accept this scripture, then you will answer for yourself on the Day of Judgment."
He is invested with majesty, wisdom and pride. Such instructions would be relevant at any time. After all, all parents wish their children well, they want to see them as honest, merciful and worthy people. Modern youth often do not hear such phrases from their fathers and mothers. And Domostroy, the year of its creation fell on a period of special reverence for God, put everything in its place. This is a law that must be followed, period. He was not subjecteddoubt. He placed all family members on his "steps", determined the relationship between them and, most importantly, united them. That's what "Domostroy" is.
Honoring and obedience to father and mother
Children are strictly forbidden to swear at their parents, insult them and condemn them. Her orders must be carried out unquestioningly, without discussing what the parents said.
All children should love their father and mother, obey them, honor their old age and obey them in everything. Those who disobey face damnation and excommunication. And children who render obedience to their father and mother have nothing to fear - they will live in goodness and without misfortune.
The chapter is filled with wisdom, respect for the individual. It reminds of the inseparability of the future and the past, that honoring parents is the strength of the whole society. Unfortunately, this is not promoted now as the truth and the norm. Parents have lost authority over their children.
About needlework
In those distant times, honest work was revered very highly. Therefore, the rules of "Domostroy" touched on the conscientious and high-quality performance of any work.
Those who lie, work dishonestly, steal, do not do good for the good of society were condemned. Before starting any work, it was required to cross oneself and ask for blessings from the Lord, to bow three times to the ground to the saints. Any needlework (cooking, stockpiling, handicraft) must begin with clean thoughts and washed hands.
All that is done withpure thoughts and desire, will benefit people. Can you argue with that?..
Domostroy ban
With the advent of the new government in 1917, this set of rules was canceled and even banned. Of course, this was due to the fact that the revolutionaries opposed religious propaganda and everything connected with it. Therefore, Domostroy could not be approved by the new government. The fight against autocracy and serfdom (supported by the church) forbade the mention of religion and Orthodoxy.
In any literature, the authors of that time brought the idea of atheism to the reader. Of course, a book with teachings on honoring priests and monks, one's spiritual fathers, serving the king and all rulers could not be allowed in any case.
Such a struggle with religion for many decades has not had a favorable effect on the morality of modern society.
Educational value
Despite the mention in the book of such words as "last judgment", "demon", "evil", all these commandments could now become a good guide to everyday actions. Considering the fact that “laws are not written” for the modern inhabitants of Russia, it is not possible to rely on a set of generally accepted rules.
Behaviors are developed on the basis of moral standards, which are laid down by parents, school, society. This is not always given due attention. Not to mention that any rules are accepted by everyone for daily use. The church is no longer taken so seriouslypeople to honor all divine commandments.
Now many works are being rethought and taking on a new meaning. Works that were rejected, condemned, are recognized as brilliant and talented. "Domostroy" is one of such unique creations, carrying a lot of valuable practical advice for every day for the modern family, the younger generation and all people. The main idea of the book is the upbringing of children from the very first days, directing the child to good deeds and showing goodness in all his actions. Isn't this what is so lacking in our society, full of lies, hypocrisy, envy, anger and aggression?
Historical value
Thanks to the appearance of this book, today we can get information about the life and life of people of that time. "Domostroy" was written for a wide range of readers, for people of different social status.
This is a guide for the military, clerks, servicemen and all townspeople who have a family, create their own hearth. Whether the book reflects real life or is a rule for creating an ideal life, it is of great historical significance for people living in Russia today. Researchers use it to study leisure, cultural and intellectual life of the population of Russia in the 16th century. Although while such entertainment did not exist at all, since the church condemned and forbade any entertainment. What is "Domostroy" for historians? This is important information about private life, family values, religious rules, traditions and the laws of everyday life in the Russian family of that time.
