Опалването на кръстника във врачанската традиционна сватба
“The Scorching of the Godfather" in the Traditional Wedding in Vraca Region

Summary/Abstract: The article examines a new, and not-registered so far in Bulgarian ethnographic literature ritual practice in wedding customs -the so called "scorching of the Godfather". In Vratsa region it is an obligatory component to the traditional wedding, and its omission makes the wedding to be considered infinite. The author of the article scrutinizes all ritual elements of this custom and makes a semantic analysis of each of them; and finally she tries to clarify the meaning of the wholesome practice. She presumes that the initial ritual aim was connected with: 1) a symbolic transfer (by means of solar magic) of the beneficial influence of the Sun on the brides; 2) through introducing in the fire-practice the Godfather - one of the principal ritual characters in the wedding ceremony, - to ensure the protection of the dead ancestors, and the connection of the Godfather with their world is well known. The used field data allows the author to make the final conclusion, that the material-stimulizing meaning of the custom "scorching of the Godfather", is almost lost. Despite the downgrade line in the development of this ritual practice, the relict character of its structural elements allows to presume its ancient descent. Being a conserved folklore phenomenon, it witnesses rather old features in the mythological thought of Bulgarians, and the specific role of fire in their ritual system.

• Details
• Contents