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A RITUAL IN MODERN EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE YAKUT PEOPLE

N. Struchkova, C. Yakovleva, Alekseeva A.

Abstract

Ritual is a form of symbolic action, expressing the connection of a subject with a system of social relations and values. The main theme of any ritual was theme of creation of the world, which resulted in the establishment of people relations system. Ritual performs several vital functions, which are primarily a function of individual socialization, as well as integrating and reproducing function. The function of individual socialization is that the ritual prepares the individual to the social life, nurturing it necessary qualities without which his life in society is impossible. In general , the rituals can be divided into the following groups: fixed rituals (calendar) , "transitional" (weddings, anniversaries) and common. In each group we consider the modern Yakuts daily life rituals, which carry ethnic beginning. Objective: To examine ways of integrating ritual of modern Yakuts. Materials and methods: the authors used field data collected in the central Viliui, northern groups regions of Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation from 2011 to 2014. During the work were conducted the expert interviews and survey of the population, and used such methods of ethnography as participant observation and getting used to the environment. Results: ritual remains a universal symbolic act and symbolic value in the modern Yakut society. Its main feature - its actions and meanings are not selected by participants freely, not dictated by logic or necessity, but they are prescribed by an external source, unconsciously inherited from cultural tradition. Rituals conducted by a group (ethnic group as ysyakh) intended to demonstrate the collective experience, involvement in the overall process. As for the family, here they show family unity, the recognition of each other as part of the whole. Modern features of these groups show that Yakut society needs to demonstrate their ethnic beginning - there is a need to feel their unity. Mostly forgotten rituals had been complemented by new, though they immediately are accepted by the public. In ritual practice are required elements, such as a ritual dance and the presence of the priest. Despite the fact that the shape change adapting to the new trends of culture, their very existence is not only necessary, but also increasingly in demand. The relation to nature remains unchanged, as evidenced by remnants of animism.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2014/b31/s8.001

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