Бележки върху колективната жертва/курбан
Some Notes on Collective Animal Sacrifice (Kurban)

Summary/Abstract: In the religious practices of the population in the Bulgarian lands, kurban is an instrument for expressing gratitude towards God for His support during times of hardship, illnesses, and ordeals. It is constantly present in ceremonial practices from time immemorial. However, as every other aspect of human life, it is subject to change. The alterations in religious beliefs lead to variations in the ritual itself and the nature of the sacrifice. Nevertheless, more detailed analysis shows that modern kurban represents a peculiar mixture of ancient traditions and newer religious customs. Furthermore, Christian and Islamic theologies are not always dominant in ceremonial practices. The influence of pagan cults is felt particularly strongly in the mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, where the role of the religious institutions is markedly weaker.

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