Res Humanitariae

This article examines the phenomenon of the simultaneous functioning of three types of valačobnyja (Easter hymn) song melodies in the Hlybokaje, Miory and Šarkaŭščyna districts of the Viciebsk region of Belarus, relying on authentic terminology recorded during folklore-ethnographic expeditions. The study revealed that the ‘folk’ classification of these song melodies is based on an ethno-confessional component, and is consciously used by local tradition-bearers to differentiate and label types of song melody.