The life-supporting system of a traditional society is always complexly connected with the "nature-society" system. Changing of any parameters of this system (weather factors, violation of biocenosis, etc.) inevitably required solving the problems that arose. Traditionally, the emergence of problems in the field of life-support activities requires a person not only to actively search for a solution to the problem, but also calmness. Reducing nervousness was relevant.
In this context, cyclically recurring processes were of particular importance: festivals and rituals that reminded of the unchanging cycle of life. Mikhail Bakhtin noted the importance of the emotional component in the folk festival. Ethnological science notes the importance of festivals throughout the year. In the culture of the peoples of Europe, the interval between festivals is usually 40 days. For example, between St. Martin's Day (November 11) and the winter solstice. Between Christmas and Candlemas (February 2) and between Candlemas and the vernal equinox (March 21).
Such a sequence of festivals assisted not only to overcoming the monotony of everyday life, but also to reducing nervousness, which favored the emergence of a calm psychological climate in society.
The future is still mysterious today. In conditions when the future is difficult to foresee, the search for optimal solutions to emerging problems is possible only in a calm environment. Folk skills offer a model of a traditional way to reduce nervousness in society.
This paper examines actual examples and uses the material of ethnographic research.
