ЗНАЧЕННЯ ПЕРЕЖИТКІВ ЯЗИЧНИЦТВА В ДУХОВНІЙ КУЛЬТУРІ ТА РЕГУЛЮВАННІ СУСПІЛЬНИХ ВІДНОСИН ЗАПОРОЗЬКОЇ СІЧІ

Abstract

In this article the author considers the influence of pagan beliefs on culture, spiritual life and legal regulation of the Zaporozhian Sich. It is a well-known fact that the Cossacks were Orthodox, but some aspects of their lives were significantly influenced by the remnants of the so-called "ancient" beliefs that have been passed down from the people for many generations. Therefore, the article pays considerable attention to the description of the culture of characterization and Cossack law, it would seem that these aspects of life have nothing in common, but it is on their example that the author shows the influence of pagan traditions. After all, the Orthodox Church itself accused the characters of sorcery, because their image was often mystified by the people, the characters were endowed with extraordinary abilities, such as the ability to reincarnate, heal, not breathe underwater, not to die from ordinary weapons. It is said that such extraordinary abilities were given to them by the forces of nature and were often associated with magic. Another aspect of the social life of the Cossacks were the legal norms governing relations. Undoubtedly, the influence of both neighboring states and the Christian religion had a significant effect on the Cossack courts, but in some situations the influence of customary law is clearly felt. Cossack courts are known for the cruelty of their sentences, and in many cases the perpetrators atoned for their guilt with blood, as this was considered just retribution. Trials also took place mostly not according to written laws, but according to customs passed down from generation to generation and even often took the form of proverbs. The author presents the opinions of various scholars on the religious influence on the daily life of the Zaporozhian Sich. Proponents of the traditional school rule out paganism, relying solely on the fact that the Cossacks were officially Orthodox Christians and well-known defenders of the church. However, there are a number of other opinions, such as proponents of ethnohistoricism, who argue that many Cossack traditions are transformations of pagan rites that have indeed changed as a result of the influence of Christianity and foreign states influenced by Ukrainian lands. Of course, this trend does not have enough official documentary sources, but it is now becoming widespread in online communities among history buffs.