THE MAGIC IN SOME RITES OF THE LIFE CYCLE AMONG THE ROM IN SKOPJE
THE MAGIC IN SOME RITES OF THE LIFE CYCLE AMONG THE ROM IN SKOPJE

Summary/Abstract: In the present report entitled "The magic in some rites of the life cicle among the Rom in Skopje" we pay special attention to the magical and religious dimensions of the rituals and practices of child birth and mariage among the Rom in Skopje. The cycle of rituals regarding the pregnancy, the child birth and marriage are of a particular existential significance for the Rom. The rituals concerning the child birth and the arriage are often named "social rituals". Separated from their fatherland of origin, after their arrival on the Balkan Peninsula, due to various geographical and cultural circumstances, the Rom have safeguarded or lost some of the characteristics of their previous culture, have accepted and assimilated certain elements of the the culture of the local population. The role and importance of magic in the Romani culture can be considered in a larger sense through the role and the ritual practices which suppose a certain magical significance. The customs in relation to child birth encompasses a large complex of magical practices. Children mean a lot to the Rom and they are of a great importance for the life, social and cultural continuity of the family. Thus, the practices that leat to the realization of a marital link and fertility in marriage begin with the child birth followed by the celebration of sexual maturity, reaching their culmination with wedding rituals.

• Details
• Contents