Traveling exhibition "Family Alphabet"

About exhibition

The exhibition introduces the unique aspects of family life and child-rearing in traditional Chuvash culture. It will feature rare photographs and materials from the collections of the Chuvash National Museum, the Saratov Regional Museum of Local Lore, and the Chuvash State Art Museum. They provide a glimpse into the past and reveal more about the family values passed down from generation to generation. Special attention is given to issues of choosing a life partner, the meanings of matchmaking rituals, and wedding traditions. Visitors will learn what criteria were used when selecting a marriage partner and will also see the role older family members played in this process. An equally important part of the exhibition is the account of child-rearing in Chuvash families. Diligence and respect for elders have always been key principles of upbringing. Guests will learn what kinds of tasks children aged 6 to 12 performed, and how their intellectual development was fostered before the establishment of formal schooling. In addition, the exhibition will be supplemented by a collection of proverbs, sayings, and quotes from Chuvash folklore, allowing visitors to gain a deeper immersion in the cultural environment of the Chuvash people.