Local food traditions of Vashkinskie Komi

The first experience of ethnographic description of Vashkinskie Komi national food traditions reflecting the features of subethnic and confessional character is presented in the article. The food stereotypes, predetermined by the traditional system of economy, include the optimum model of sustenance incorporating multiple products of agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting, fishery, and partially foraging. The basic food items were produced from grain crops. There was no wide assortment of meat and dairy products. Fish constituted a considerable segment in the food menu of the local population. One of the reasons for fish preservation - fermentation - is conditioned by the desire to enrich local nutrition with vitamin C, which is extremely essential in conditions of the North. The practice of dipping bread into the plate filled up with meat and fish broth was characteristic of local food consumption. A wide assortment of the wild berries helped to versatile the daily menu of the locals. The Old Belief culture found its reflection in the etiquette practice: Christian abstinence was strictly observed. On a weekly basis, Wednesdays and Fridays were considered as fast days. Horsemeat was banned for consumption, hare meat, potatoes, and tea were widely used for sustenance. A restriction on the use of alcoholic drinks remained for an extended period of time. The practice of using separate dishware became one of the characteristic features of the daily life of Old Believers residing in Vaskinskie Komi.