Vegetația în anul ritual al unui sat din Transilvania (Gura Râului, județul Sibiu)
Vegetation in the Ritual Year of a Village From the Region of Transylvania (Gura Râului, Sibiu County)

Summary/Abstract: Elements of nature were and are still present in the ritual year of a village in southern Transylvania, Gura Râului. The village is located in a multiethnic region, so it has very well preserved its traditions over time. The popular calendar here is closely related to the religious calendar and the agricultural calendar. Many of the traditions throughout the year are centered on elements of nature with various meanings. Why are the willow sprigs sanctified on the Lazarus Saturday and laid on graves or near icons? Why are people symbolically struck by the lovage on Ascension day? Why are wheat wreaths made at Pentecost and why is it good to have a wreath from the past year in the house, which has been in the church, at the church flags, all this time? Why are wheat grains consecrated on the feast of Saint Parascheva? What role do basil or apple sprigs play in the ritual year? What plants do women hold in their hands during Sunday and holiday service and why? Which are the elements of nature that are related to the rites of passage? This article aims to answer all these questions through the voice of the field. It is fascinating how a traditional micro-society works in the 21st century, in a world where globalization is growing.

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