SACRED PERSONALIZATION OF TIME: ANTHROPOMORPHISM AND RITUAL FUNCTIONS OF THE DAYS OF THE WEEK IN ROMANIAN FOLK TRADITION
SACRED PERSONALIZATION OF TIME: ANTHROPOMORPHISM AND RITUAL FUNCTIONS OF THE DAYS OF THE WEEK IN ROMANIAN FOLK TRADITION

Summary/Abstract: This study explores the mechanisms of time personification within the Romanian archaic mindset, where the days of the week transcend their status as mere chronological conventions to become animated entities endowed with will and supernatural powers. Drawing upon the foundational research of scholars such as Ernest Bernea, Ion Ghinoiu, and George Coșbuc, the paper analyzes the dichotomy between "auspicious" and "inauspicious" time, as well as the symbolic classification of days based on gender and sacred patronage.Particular attention is given to the concept of the "Evil Hour" (Ceasul Rău) and the female mythical figures – the Saints of the Week (St. Wednesday, St. Friday, St. Sunday, etc.) – who appear as ethical and punitive instances in both popular beliefs and fantastic fairytales. The analysis reveals how these "Holy Old Women" or "Ancient Goddesses" govern the cosmic and social order, influencing human destiny through ritual prohibitions and providential interventions. The findings highlight the survival of an animistic vision of the calendar, in which time is perceived as a sacred space, geographically segmented and ruled by archetypal forces.

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