Atalychestvo

(Turkic atalyk, “paternity,” from ata, father), a custom which arose under the tribal system.

Atalychestvo was also preserved in feudal society. Parents of the nobility gave away their newborn children to be brought up in the families of vassals or servants. The practice was widespread among many peoples of the Caucasus, the ancient Celts, the Arabs, and others. On reaching a certain age, the child was returned to its own family with festivities accompanied by an exchange of gifts between the parents and those who raised the child. Atalychestvo disappeared with the abolition of feudal relations.