Хата ў народных уяўленнях (на матэрыяле Берасцейшчыны пачатку ХХI стагоддзя)
The house in folk perception (based on Brest region material of the 21st century)

Summary/Abstract: In the article the house is considered as a factor of cultural and landscape code in the mythological-poetic image of the world expressed in the folklore of Brest region (according to the field records of the last 15 years). The historical-genetic and functional-semantic research of “the text of the house” in Brest folklore has shown that it was regarded by the national consciousness not only as a person’s dwelling but also as a special form of the universe, the place where a person can interact with natural, cosmic and sacral world. Semiotization of the house takes place on two coordinates: horizontal and vertical. In selected households, in ritual and magic contexts, in specific types and genres of folklore the house becomes the center of the universe. Particular attention is paid to special ceremonies, bans and rules that were obeyed during the construction of the house. It is shown how important the selection of construction place and construction time was. The analyzed material (stories about christening, weddings, funerals, signs and beliefs in particular) proves that house semiotization is determined by the opposition “familiar – unfamiliar”. The further from home one goes away, more “unfamiliar”, unknown, and dangerous the place s/he lives in becomes. Besides, even in the center of the house (on a stove) there can be an entrance to another world. The folklore and ethnographic research is based on the material from Brest, Kamenets, Luninets, Ivanovo, Malorita and Ivatsevichi regions.

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