Театралне дійство авадь містика? (за єден давный обычай у Карпаторусинів)
Theatrical performance or mystery? (about an ancient Carpatho-Rusyn custom)

Summary/Abstract: “Lopatka,” or “games with the deceased,” is an ancient Carpatho-Rusyn custom, now forgotten. When someone died in a village, the rural community tried to distract the grieving family from heavy thoughts. Late in the evening, after the reading of the psalter and with prior permission from the household, village youth would burst into the house where the deceased was mourned and begin their lively games. This ritual (perceived by foreigners as frightening and mystical) was practiced by Rusyns as a completely natural manifestation of humanity and mercy. The games consisted of two parts: the first – active games; the second – theatrical play. The author describes several scenarios of such games.

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