Petserimaa setud
Setus in Petseri Area

Summary/Abstract: This material was first printed at the end of the 19th century. The censor Jüri (Georg) Truusmann (1856-1930) gives an overview of an ethnographic trip to the western part of Pihkva gubernya, the territory populated by Setus, in 1885. Attention is focused on the everyday life of the Setus. There is a strong Russian influence, but they have retained their Estonian nationality. Their national costumes, folklore, language, mentality and way of life have retained many archaic aspects lost elsewhere in Estonia. The language barrier with Russian-speaking educators is a problem in the area. Although attendance to the Orthodox church is dutiful, many noticeably pagan religious concepts have survived. There are home-held missas dedicated to idols. On certain holidays, sacrifice (foodstuff) is brought to holy places, both official and pagan. Often the donations are later claimed by paupers. There are also holidays celebrated commonly by the Setus and Russians.

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