Community > Entertainment
Entertainment
Although the lives of those living in Norka were filled with a great deal of work necessary to survive, there was always time for fun and entertainment. Many typical pastimes had been practiced since the Middle Ages or ancient times. Of course, no electronic (passive) entertainment existed, and paid entertainers were rare. The most significant difference between now and then was that people had to be actively engaged in entertaining themselves.
Below is a list of some things the people of Norka did to entertain themselves:
Sharing stories, gossip, and jokes with friends and family. This form of entertainment costs nothing and has been part of humankind since the days of hunters and gatherers.
Music and dance are ancient traditions and were part of life in Norka. Both religious and folk music were popular. People were not passive observers; many could sing, dance, and play musical instruments. Weddings were always a high time for celebration and merriment.
There were many religious and secular holiday festivals throughout the year. Some of the festivals were market-oriented. People from other villages and ethnic groups came to town, bringing glimpses of a broader world outside the colony.
Eating and drinking are always high on the list of ways to amuse themselves. Various alcoholic beverages could be purchased or fermented at home.
Games cost little and provided hours of fun for the participants and spectators.
Reading was a pastime for those who had access to books. The primary book read by all was the Bible, but other books and publications were available as time passed. Those with a scholarly bent studied textbooks in preparation for their examinations.
People occasionally traveled to other German colonies, Russian villages, or Saratov to purchase supplies and conduct business. Some travel would necessitate crossing the wide Volga River by ship. These journeys were great adventures for the travelers and not without some real dangers from time to time.
Decorative arts and crafts were practiced by many people. These were not just for practical purposes but also for aesthetic pleasure. Embroidery, pottery, basketweaving, carpentry, leatherwork, and woodcarving were common skills, and the labor was often divided by sex.
Speaking of sex, this form of entertainment has always been popular and didn't cost anything. It had the bonus of producing more workers for the farm and household. We know from the Norka church records that many children were born "illegitimate" (conceived before marriage). While pre-marital sex was frowned upon, the punishment was generally not severe.
Religion services and church-sponsored events were important social gatherings where family and friends met. The rituals were designed to please the eyes, ears, and spirit and created a strong sense of community.
Below is a list of some things the people of Norka did to entertain themselves:
Sharing stories, gossip, and jokes with friends and family. This form of entertainment costs nothing and has been part of humankind since the days of hunters and gatherers.
Music and dance are ancient traditions and were part of life in Norka. Both religious and folk music were popular. People were not passive observers; many could sing, dance, and play musical instruments. Weddings were always a high time for celebration and merriment.
There were many religious and secular holiday festivals throughout the year. Some of the festivals were market-oriented. People from other villages and ethnic groups came to town, bringing glimpses of a broader world outside the colony.
Eating and drinking are always high on the list of ways to amuse themselves. Various alcoholic beverages could be purchased or fermented at home.
Games cost little and provided hours of fun for the participants and spectators.
Reading was a pastime for those who had access to books. The primary book read by all was the Bible, but other books and publications were available as time passed. Those with a scholarly bent studied textbooks in preparation for their examinations.
People occasionally traveled to other German colonies, Russian villages, or Saratov to purchase supplies and conduct business. Some travel would necessitate crossing the wide Volga River by ship. These journeys were great adventures for the travelers and not without some real dangers from time to time.
Decorative arts and crafts were practiced by many people. These were not just for practical purposes but also for aesthetic pleasure. Embroidery, pottery, basketweaving, carpentry, leatherwork, and woodcarving were common skills, and the labor was often divided by sex.
Speaking of sex, this form of entertainment has always been popular and didn't cost anything. It had the bonus of producing more workers for the farm and household. We know from the Norka church records that many children were born "illegitimate" (conceived before marriage). While pre-marital sex was frowned upon, the punishment was generally not severe.
Religion services and church-sponsored events were important social gatherings where family and friends met. The rituals were designed to please the eyes, ears, and spirit and created a strong sense of community.
Sources
Researched by Steve Schreiber.
Last updated November 26, 2023