Sovremennye Issledovaniâ Socialʹnyh Problem (Apr 2018)
THE CULT OF NATURE IN THE LIFE CYCLE RITES OF THE MARI (BY THE MATERIALS OF EXPEDITIONS TO THE MARI ASSR IN THE 1930–50s)
Abstract
The purpose of the article is to analyze the symbolic presentations of nature in the Mari life cycle rites that is based on the materials of ethnographic expeditions to the Mari ASSR in the 1930–50s. The relevance of the research topic is caused by the environmental crisis, which has been initiated by the growth of industrialization, and increased feud between man and nature. Reference to the historical experience of the Mari allows to reveal positive examples of eco-oriented attitude to the natural environment through ritual forms. Methodology. The study is based on the principle of historicism, which makes it possible to analyze the Mari traditional ritualism in the context of sociocultural changes. The consideration of the process of interaction between man and nature in the life cycle rites is carried out by means of the systematic approach that contributes to the definition of the cultural potential of the Mari traditions. In addition, the following methodological procedures are used in the paper: comparative-historical, logical, retrospective, the methods of scientific description, generalization, interpretation of unpublished sources, observation and survey in the collection of field researches by the author. The sources for the study were the reports and field diaries of Soviet ethnographers that are located in Russian scientific archives. Results. The reports and field diaries of Soviet ethnographers who had visited the Mari ASSR in the 1930–50s were considered from the point of view of reflecting the environmental ideas of the Mari in the life cycle rites. It is revealed that the nature served as a constructive element of traditional rituals. It is shown that the natural environment was perceived in the Mari culture as a mother, deity and a member of the tribal community. According to the Mari, one of the main ways to strengthen the connection between man and nature was sacrifice. The recollection of nature in the life cycle rites made it possible to realize the following functions: the preservation from the influence of sinister forces, the protection from non-existence, the formation of sense of solidarity. Practical applications – in educational and research activities.
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