"All the world's riches are not worth the life of a single child." -Doukhobor maxim
Doukhobors treasure children as assets that bring joy and comfort to the
entire community. Objects from the Museum's Doukhobor collections, many of
them handmade, reflect this loving concern, and underline the group's
respect for humanity at large.
Are Doukhobor Children Allowed to Go to School?
Certainly. When the Doukhobors first arrived in Canada, the more
conservative community members refused to send their children to school,
preferring to educate them within the community. Eventually, however,
Doukhobors began to send their children to local schools. Today, all
Doukhobor children go to regular schools but the family still makes an
important contribution in a child's education. Home is where children learn
the Russian language as well as Doukhobor songs, cooking, history and
values.
What Do Doukhobor Children Call Their Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles?
Mother is Mama
Father is Papa
Grandmother is Baba or Babushka
Grandfather is Dyeda or Dyedushka
Aunt is Tyota or Tyotka
Uncle is Dyadya
How Do Doukhobor Children Play?
In much the same way as non-Doukhobor children. However, they don't play with war toys such as fake guns and swords, and they are not permitted to play violent games (including some computer games!) or watch violent shows on television.
Created: October 15, 1996. Last update: September 10, 2001 © Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation |