THE PROBLEM OF CHRISTIAN AND PAGAN CORRELATIONS IN THE PERCEPTION OF RUSSIAN TRADITIONAL CULTURE FOR EXAMPLE OF SHROVETIDE RITUALS
The analysis of Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) rites and festivities, the identification of the celebration mythologema through folklore, and its time connection with Easter do not support the common belief that Maslenitsa is an absolutely pagan heritage. Despite the fact that Maslenitsa traditions trace back to the all-European past, there are obvious reasons to reveal deep Christian symbols in this celebration that are seen through different verbal, visual and dramatic patterns. In the conditions of the recurring Christianization (churching) of Russia and the search for fundamental basis for the development of modern social and cultural practices the conceptual analysis of Maslenitsa and other traditional celebrations can give effective tools for identity construction.
Keywords: Shrovetide, Maslenitsa, Christian symbols, dual faith, traditional culture, rite, Easter, Maslenitsa festivities
References:
BE 1990 – Bible Encyclopedia. Moscow, 1990. In Russian.
Chasovnikova 2013 – Chasovnikova A.V. Christian images of flora in the folk culture: Peter’s cross, Adam’s head, Holy willow. Moscow, 2013. In Russian.
Fedotov 1991 – Fedotov G.P. Spiritual Poems. Russian folk faith on spiritual poetry. Moscow, 1991. In Russian.
Gromyko, Buganov 2007 – Gromyko M.M., Buganov A.V. On the views of the Russian people. Saint-Petersburg, 2007. In Russian.
Kuligin 2004 – Kuligin D. The Shrovetide is a Christian or a pagan holiday? Church bulletin. 2004. 1–2. URL: http://www.k-istine.ru/base_faith/fast/fast_great_kuligin.htm.">http://www.k-istine.ru/base_faith/fast/fast_great_kuligin.htm">http://www.k-istine.ru/base_faith/fast/fast_great_kuligin.htm. In Russian.
Kuprin 2007 – Kuprin A. I. Junkers. Moscow, 2007. In Russian.
Prokhorov 1987 – Prokhorov G. M. Monuments of translated and Russian literature of XIV–XV centuries. Leningrad, 1987. In Russian.
Rybakov 1987 – Rybakov B.A. Paganism of ancient Russia. Moscow, 1987. In Russian.
Uvarov 2001 – Uvarov A.S.Christian symbolism. The symbolism of early Christian period. Moscow, 2001. In Russian.
( 322.9 kB ) 
( 315.07 kB )
Issue: 3, 2015
Series of issue: Issue 5
Rubric: ARTICLES
Pages: 117 — 127
Downloads: 2225