Religion
Khanty are today Orthodox Christians, mixed with traditional beliefs (shamans, reincarnation).
Their historical shaman wore no special clothes except a cap.
Traditional Khanty cults are close related to nature.
The Bear Celebration is being celebrated occasionally after a successful hunting of a bear. The bear celebration continues 5 or 6 days (the duration depends on the sex of the animal). Over 300 songs and performances occur during a Bear Celebration. The most important parts of the cult are:
- Nukh Kiltatty Ar (The Awakening Song)
- Ily Vukhalty Ar (The Coming Down From The Sky Song) - The story about the son of Torum (the sky god). The son was sent by Torum to rule the Earth. He has forgotten father's advices, lost his immortality, turned into a beast and has been killed by the hunters.
- Il Veltatty Ar (The Lullaby)
The Crow cult - the Spring celebration is being celebrated in April, nowadays it is April 7, the same day as the Annunciation day.
Read more about this topic: Khanty People
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—Stendhal [Marie Henri Beyle] (1783–1842)
“When I read of the vain discussions of the present day about the Virgin Birth and other old dogmas which belong to the past, I feel how great the need is still of a real interest in the religion which builds up character, teaches brotherly love, and opens up to the seeker such a world of usefulness and the beauty of holiness.”
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—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)