ASPECTS OF THE RESEARCH OF THE ROLE OF RUSALIAN PROCESSIONS IN FOLK TRADITION
ASPECTS OF THE RESEARCH OF THE ROLE OF RUSALIAN PROCESSIONS IN FOLK TRADITION

Author(s): Katerina Petrovska-Kuzmanova
Subject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences
Published by: Етнографски институт САНУ
Keywords: Rusalian ritual processions; magical function; social function; tradition; contemporary
Summary/Abstract: Rusalian ritual processions with their characteristics attract the attention of folklore researchers in the past and today, because they are one of the most interesting syncretic forms. In the richness of forms and figures of speech, folklorists find a constant provocation for researching the rituals related to these dances. They, with their complex organization, the series of taboos which follow them, the specific clothing, the way of movement and dancing leave space for various scientific interpretations. The paper deals with a comparative analysis of the traditional and contemporary aspects of Rusalian ritual processions. Researching Rusalian processions shows that the way these rituals are performed in contemporary conditions gives them new meanings and functions. Their initial goal was to dance for health and prosperity. That’s why the belief of their health mission is widespread among the people. However, it should be noted that over time the function of these processions changes. From magical it becomes more and more social, which can be observed by the auction of the collected products, joint dinner of the participants and the use of collected assets for the collective good of the community. The paper also elaborates on the contemporary aspects of Rusalian processions and their continuation today, as well as a folk tradition.

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