СИМБОЛИКА СВЕЋЕ У НАРОДНОЈ КУЛТУРИ СРБА У ОПШТЕСЛОВЕНСКОМ КОНТЕКСТУ
THE SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF A CANDLE IN SERBIAN FOLK CULTURE IN THE OVERALL SLAVIC CONTEXT

Summary/Abstract: The paper analyzes the symbolic status of a candle in Serbian folk culture in comparison with that of some other Slavic peoples. It is assumed that a candle is a ritual object, whose symbolism is based on the material from which it is made from – wax, which automatically associates it with the status of the bee and honey in folk culture; on its property to generate heat and light; on its shape – smooth and positioned vertically; on the time of its creation or consecration (on annual holidays); on its connection with the Church. The main elements of the symbolism of the candle are the light and the flame it produces while burning, which has become the basis of the metaphor of human life as a candle. Hence the Serbian understanding that the slava candle is a symbol of the continuity of life in a household. By reviewing the use of candles in the circle of practices related to important events in human life (birth, wedding, death), in relation to calendrical rites (annual holidays), in social, normative, economic, and medical context, it has been ascertained that the candles have been most widely used in funeral rites and practices, as well as in those associated with an ancestor cult. This circle of candle use is based on the idea of the afterworld, as the cold and dark space, where one can “send” light and heat to the deceased by lighting a candle. On the other hand, the candle also plays a mediating role, because the deceased, as it was believed, can see their descendants when the candle is lit on a certain day. The manner in which honey and wax were once obtained by killing bees, and the requirement that candles should be made in silence in some places, point to its chthonic characteristic. In addition to funeral practices, candles play an important role in the observance of the Serbian family holiday – St. Patron’s Day (krsna slava) and Christmas. The East Slavs give special importance to candles that are lit during the observance of the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (15 February) and on Holy Thursday (before Easter). The South Slavs following the Roman Catholic faith call the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple Svijećnica/ Sveča, whereas the Czechs and the Slovaks call it – Hromnice (2 February), where the practice of going in procession around the church with lighted candles, as well as some rituals with candles that are brought home, was established. In some Slav populated regions, large collective candles were made either from collected wax or that purchased with voluntary cash donations. It is believed that such candles protect the agricultural district from storms and hail. Thanks to the support of the Church, many candle rites have been preserved to the present day.

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