ВІКНА І ДВЕРІ ЯК МЕЖОВІ СИМВОЛИ ХАТНЬОГО ПРОСТОРУ

Abstract

The article deals with the ritual significance of some traditional Ukrainian dwellings architectural elements, such as windows and doors. This theme is not completely studied at the scientific literature, because scientists mainly describe the external characteristics of architectural forms and only rarely mention their symbolic meaning. So, this article is based on the analysis of many examples of Ukrainian folklore, first of all lyric and calendar songs, legends and fairytales, as well as the rituals describing, taken by cultural anthropologists and folklorists from the 19th century. During the study the authors find out, that windows and doors in Ukrainian traditional culture were perceived as complex elements, because they were both part of the dwelling complex and had a symbolic meaning and special functions in rituals and folklore. Having lots ot similar features, the ritual meaning of windows and doors at the same time have some differences. Doors, first of all, served as an entrance and an exit, so their basic function was to pass in the house, to let out from it and to provide protection; instead, the window provided a visual connection to the outside world. The general sacred value of the studied objects was their role as a symbolic border between «own» and «alien» space. This provided a connection between the inhabitants of the house and the outside world and protected the interior home space from real and mythological threats from the outside. Windows and doors in traditional culture had to provide the transparency of limits. As a result, the studied architectural elements of the dwelling have been given the status of particularly dangerous points of contact with the outside world. It was signified in the relevant beliefs of our ancestors. People must cross the threshold without stepping on it, it was impossible to sit on it, it was impossible to stand on it during the thunder. As it was mentioned above, windows and doors served as the limit between «own» and «alien» space, therefore they could not only let the souls of the dead in the house on some calendar holidays, but they also protect house from unwanted arrival of different demonological creatures (witches, mermaids, living dead, etc.), for what on windows and doors, above them and under them were put various amulets. Sacralized locuses of home space have become elements of calendar, family, magic rituals that have accompanied a person in traditional society from birth to death.