За семантиката на композициите върху кани № 2 и 7 от Нагсентмиклошкото съкровище и връзката им с календарните и сватбените обреди
On the semantics of the composition on jugs Nos 2 and 7 of the Nagyszentmiklos Treasure and their relation to calendar and wedding rites

Summary/Abstract: Two of the most interesting and representative vessels in the treasure are examined in the article. Their decoration is perceived as a unified composition centered around a basic idea. The flat jug No 7 has two round medallions on its broad sides and four images on the narrower sides, which may be associated with the autumn equinox and with the apotheosis of the fruit-bearing and developing nature. Jug No 2 has four round medallions, examined by the author at two levels. At the first level the four scenes can be interpreted as being related to the four seasons. At the second level they may also be associated with the four fundamental moments in man's life: birth, maturity, wedding and death. Jugs Nos 2 and 7 seem to have belonged to a set owned by an unknown steppe princess. There is no doubt that these vessels played an important role in the wedding ceremony. With their decoration, they were an expression of the best wishes for well-being and progress, happiness and prosperity for the heirs to the throne who were being married. This interpretation of the two vessels is based on example and parallels from the Iranian culture circle, on the beliefs and views of the steppe nomadic peoples against the background of some Proto-Bulgarian monuments and religious beliefs.

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