The O-lo-lo Feast of the Nymylan

The Nymylans (coastal Koryaks) celebrate the reconciliation feast with nature every autumn in their settlements of Lesnaya and Kinkil. During this feast, the souls of the animals they had killed during the year are ritually sent off to the other world. There they are to report that they were fed with ritual food at the feast and also otherwise were well entertained with joyful songs and dances – so that animals will return in the following years. A special moment is given to the ritual feeding of animal figurines before their burning, symbolizing the killed snow sheep and seals. The preparation of the ritual food is of special importance, the ingredients of which are prudently procured and carefully stored throughout the year in preparation for the feast.