Пролетният обред „Гора”
The Vernal Rite of “Gora”

Summary/Abstract: The article presents an attempt at analyzing the rite of Gora within the context of the Bulgarian folklore culture. The authors point out its relations to the complex of feasts connected with the first week of Lent (Sirnitsa) and to the vernal rites. It is locally restricted and is found in South-East Bulgaria, mainly in the regions of Stara Zagora and Haskovo. The rite functions as the Lazaruvane (a Saint Lazar’s Day ritual) since it promotes the festive communion between young people and is characterized by a distinctly marked magical productive semantics. A traditional meaning conditioned by the transitional character of the rite has been preserved in the texts of the songs. The second part of the article deals with the music that accompanies the rite. Two types of songs are usually performed: slow and drawled “long” song formulas which are associated with the ritual invocation, and quick lively tunes that are usually sung to a horo. The appearance of the men and the mixed horo performed to the accompaniment of a musical instrument (most often a kaval) are characteristic elements of the final stage of the feast.

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