Võru County Children's Folklore Day Embodied Joy and Sense of Belonging
On May 14, the 36th Võru County Children's Folklore Day entitled 'Every Child with Their Own Instrument' was held in Osula on the banks of Pühajõe, with over 170 children participating, who rated the event with a grade of five.
The Children's Folklore Day is celebrated to preserve and remember the tradition of folk songs, games, and dances – to dance traditional dances like ancestors, play traditional games, and craft cool instruments.
There were 11 groups participating in the County Children's Folklore Day: Võru Kreutzwald School 3rd grade, children's folk dance groups Riburadapidi I and Riburadapidi II, Rõuge Basic School Rõuge Study Place children's group Õõbikud and Haanja Study Place 1st-3rd grades, Kuldre School children, Pärliine family group children, Puiga Basic School 3rd grade, Vastseliina Gymnasium children's group, Parksepa High School 1st-4th grade children's folk dance group, and Osula School Mängumopsud.
Aigi Pall, the Võrumaa Folk Culture Specialist of the Estonian Folk Culture Center, recalled in her opening words that the tradition of Võru County Children's Folklore Day is very long and dignified. "Today, by playing, singing, and crafting instruments here, we keep alive the knowledge and skills of our parents and can pass them on to our children," said Pall, expressing joy that many children participated in this year's folklore day.
Maarika Rosenberg, the director of Võru Municipality's Cultural and Youth Work Center, said that the event's location was chosen based on its own story and tradition. This was further introduced by Kati Soon in her workshop. There were a total of seven workshops at the folklore day. Each group could participate in three workshops. The workshops were led by Ain and Merike Vaher, Kati Soon, Kristi Vals, Aigi Pall, Ülle Ermel, Annika Eliste, and Eda Hirson along with other assistants.
The 3rd grade students of Puiga Basic School participated in the folklore day as part of a rhythm lesson. Instructor Silja Oss said that she had occasionally participated with the third grades in folklore days, but there had been a long break in between. "This year has an exciting program and the 3rd grade is a nice group to participate in the folklore day," praised Oss. The most engaging activities highlighted by the Puiga Basic School third graders were the singing games 'Rukkilõikus' and 'Kaera-Jaan', which had been danced together since kindergarten. They also greatly enjoyed the running game 'Kivikuju'.
Anne Heier, the class teacher of the 2nd grade of Rõuge Basic School Haanja Study Place, had attended the Võru County Children's Folklore Day for the third time and according to her, it is a very well-organized event. She vividly remembers the first two times when she participated with her students in folklore days in Vastseliina and Antsla. This time, she was present with the 1st-3rd grades of Rõuge Basic School Haanja Study Place. Heier said that the goal of the folklore day aligns with the school and community vision to preserve and pass on old traditions, such as the Võru language, which is also being taught as an optional subject in school.
The Haanja children were engaged in the workshop led by Annika Eliste, where marakas were crafted. "Children love to craft, which is why this workshop remained particularly memorable for them. It's good to see that a little tune has rubbed off on them, and they eagerly participated," Heier said. In addition, the Haanja students highlighted Kati Soon's workshop, and they had a lot of fun with the 'Kivikuju' game. Workshop leaders said that the children found it interesting and novel to make sounds with a hay instrument, hearing the tunes of the whistles until the end of the event.
The day started with a group dance followed by a joint concert, where the harmony of the instruments crafted in children's workshops could be heard.
"I am so happy that despite the rain, today's event took place, that you dressed warmly, sat and listened, and knew how to be grateful. Võru County has wonderful children who love traditional games and music," said Kristi Vals, the Cultural Specialist of the Võrumaa Development Center, in the closing words of the folklore day. "If there are active teachers, this day can continue in the future," she added. The children suggested that the next folklore day could take place in Rõuge.
Võru County Children's Folklore Day embodied joy and a sense of belonging, delightful meetings, music, laughter, and lively dances. Local traditional musicians were involved - Kati Soon provided musical color with a bagpipe and zither, and Jürgen Soon with an accordion. The day was led by Helena Helekivi.
Osula School, led by Kristina Siska and Tiina Männ, organized the Võru County Children's Folklore Day 'Every Child with Their Own Instrument'. The event was held in collaboration with Võru Municipality's Cultural and Youth Work Center, Osula village society, Võrumaa Development Center, and the Estonian Folk Culture Center.
