Paper short abstract:

The report is dedicated to the sacred places of the Chuvashs-Pagans, amongst which there are the graveyard, the grave of the landlady of graveyard, the glade for funeral repasts, the sacred water source. History of the shaping of the sacred places and their modern operation are shown.

Paper long abstract:

Tatarstan is one of the subjects of modern Russia. The Ethnic majorities of population are presented by the Tatars and the Russians; except them, the representatives of ethnic minorities live there.

Republic is multiconfessional as well. Islam and Orthodoxy are the earliest religions in region and the most wide-spread.

Pagans are small, but very racy group; in Tatarstan they are presented by the Chuvashs. They live in several villages, formed in ХVΙΙΙ century by people, run from forcible christening. Living for a long time in interethnic encirclement, they have saved their own religion and rites. Polytheism, honoring of the land, immolate of animals, faith in local spirits are the main peculiarities of the Pagans.

The Chuvashs-Pagans have not special temples. All rites are made at home or near the sacred places. A graveyard is one of the main of the sacred places in the village Old Surkino. The grave of the landlady of graveyard (she was the daughter of the founder of the village) is situated near the entrance to the graveyard. The Pagans worships to her every time, when visit the graveyard. Besides, there is special glade, where they make the main memorial rite "jupa".

The sacred water source is a place for public rites and holidays. Here they immolate of animals and make the public foods to call the rain in drought and on other reasons.

The Chuvashs-Pagans of Tatarstan live in modern world of globalization, but due to traditions, they save its identity and do not assimilated.