Investigating the folk cultures

Abstract

The basis of our theoretical examination and analysis is the folk culture of Macedonians. Having in mind that the folk culture is considered a dynamic category, we have analysed a few separate segments which result with specific features of this type of culture, that are especially noticeable in the frames of the system of thinking and the system of behaviour of individuals and communities that form this category. The further analysis of folk culture focuses upon a very important phenomena of transmitting cultural information in the frames of these cultures. Having in mind that the wider social level that created folk culture in Macedonia and the Balkans did not have the possibility to utilise the written form of transmitting information, this was taking place through other specific forms that were based upon orally. So, one of the most important mechanisms for transmitting a cultural information is the folklore, especially oral folk tradition. Apart from this mechanism that is the cumulative basis of folk culture, the ritual is the most important form of actualisation and transmission of information, at few levels: through rituals that take place in the frames of the basic kinship and social community as for example the family, then rituals that are taking place at the level of the village community, as well as at the level of some other special groups that include isolated circles of participants (ritual mysteries, ritual healing etc.). .

Keywords

• folk culture
• Macedonians
• elements of folk culture
• transmition of cultural information
• ritual