Value and world view foundations of traditional environmental culture of Adygs
Researchers regularly turn to ethno-ecological traditions in an attempt to understand ways to maintain a balance with the habitat of different peoples. In the context of the current environmental crisis, the relevance of scientific search for a solution of these problems is very high. The article deals with the traditions of the ecological culture of Adygs and describes the complexity of the natural and climatic conditions of the territory, and enormous species diversity, requiring special approaches in building relations with nature. Thousands of years of development of this natural complex allowed the Adyg ethnos to build ecology-protected relations with the environment, reflected in rites and traditions. These include the formation of sacred groves and forest gardens transformed into the sacral space of the Adyg ethnos, special approaches to soil treatment and crop rotation, hunting traditions supporting species diversity and careful attitude to water resources. The author, analyzing the traditions of the environmental culture of Adygs, concludes that the preservation of balance with the natural environment was based on the law of fair exchange. Spiritual ties were built based on the nature worshipping and provided by rituals and rites. It is concluded that the ecological culture of Adygs has formed the optimal model of interaction in the "man-society-nature" system.