Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Besermyan
The Besermyan (self-designation Beserman) are a small-numbered Finno-Ugric people in Russia, living in the northwest of Udmurtia. In 2000, by a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation they were given the status of native small-numbered people.
Language
The Besermyan language is a subdialect of the Udmurt language in which the Turkic influence can be felt.
Dispersion
They have settled in the northwest of Udmurtia in the basin of the river Cheptsy (tributary of the river Vyatka) within the Yukamen, Glazovsk, Balezino, Yar districts, as well as in the bordering districts of the Kirov region.
Traditional occupations
Their main occupation is the plough agriculture. The Besermyan grew winter rye, barley, oats, linen, hemp, rutabaga, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, turnip. An important role was played by cattle breeding. Wild-honey farming, seasonal work, mostly of an agricultural nature, and carrier’s trade were widespread.
Food
The traditional cuisine consisted mostly of bread (nyan’), pies and open shan’ga pies with various fillings, gruels and soups. Meat was considered to be a holiday dish. The Besermyan made dumplings, perepechi (unleavened cheesecakes with meat), meat soup with a beaten up egg, kurloy (horsemeat sausage), horsemeat pies. Pork was prohibited until early 20th century, horsemeat and poultry meat were used more widely. Even now the Besermyan try not to include pork into ritual food. The drinks are home brew, kvass (syukas’), beer (sur), kumyshka.
