ПЕРЕДРІЗДВЯНІ ТА РІЗДВЯНІ СВЯТА НА БУКОВИНСЬКІЙ ГУЦУЛЬЩИНІ: ТРАДИЦІЇ ТА ІННОВАЦІЇ

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to highlight the transformational changes of the calendar ritualism of Ukrainians of Bukovyna Huzul region from the end of the 19th to the 21st century. The research methodology consisted in the analysis of ethnographic scientific works written by the researchers of Bukovyna Huzul region, and the collection of materials from field expeditions, which allowed for revealing new traditions and ceremonies of Ukrainians and their transformational changes in the 21st century. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the first attempt to study national pre-Christmas and Christmas holidays and rites in the villages of Stebnia, Dovhopillia, and Shpetky of Bukovyna Huzul region. The research allows for reviving the integral calendar-ceremonial history of pre-Christmas and Christmas holidays of the inhabitants of Bukovyna Huzul region and understanding their original essence, revealing their genetic origins and stages of their development. Conclusions. The study showed that Huzul villages of Bukovyna are home to a great cultural heritage of calendar holidays and rites. They play an important role in the household life of the Huzul population. The most important holidays of the pre-Christmas cycle are Great Martyr Catherine’s Day, Andrii Pervozvannyi and St. Nicholas holidays, while the Christmas cycle includes Christmas Eve, Christmas, St. Basil’s Day, and Jordan’s Day. All these holidays are accompanied by a lot of mystical fun.