Cranes in Russian Culture

The indigenous people of Siberia have traditionally protected the Siberian Crane and believe that the birds bring health and good fortune. For example, the Yakutian people of eastern Siberia believe that the "Sterkh" or Siberian Crane brings healing. While the Khanty, or Hunty, people of western Siberia dress in a crane costume and dance to drive away the spirit of a dead bear after a hunt.

The poem, "The Cranes," by Rasul Gamzatov describes the thoughts of a Russian soldier as a flock of Siberian Cranes flies overhead. The poem is the basis for a popular Russian folk song with the same title. The symbolism of the poem is seen in a World War II memorial in Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, which includes a flock of flying cranes on the top of the sculpture (click here to see more crane art in Yakutia).

Zhuravli (The Cranes) by Rasul Gamzatov I sometimes think that warriors brave Who met their death in bloody fight Were never buried in a grave But rose as cranes with plumage white. Since then unto this very day They pass high overhead and cry. Is that not why we often gaze In silence as the cranes go by? In far-off foreign lands I see The cranes in evening's dying glow Fly quickly past in company, As once on horseback they would go.

And as they fly far out of reach I hear them calling someone's name. Is that not why our Avar* speech Recalls the clamor of a crane? Across the weary sky they race Who friend and kinsman used to be, And in their rank I see a space -- Perhaps they're keeping it for me? One day I'll join the flock of cranes, With them I shall go winging by, And you who here on earth remain Will listen to my strident cry. (Avar* is a language spoken in Dagestan in southwestern Russia, the birthplace of the author.)