CULT OF ANCESTORS IN TRADITIONAL ETIQUETTE OF BASHKIRS

Abstract

The article presents results of a theoretical and empirical research of influence of the cult of ancestors on the formation of traditional etiquette of Bashkirs. The belief that souls of the dead take part in life of descendants promoted emergence of the bans and instructions, the rules of conduct concerning relationships of representatives of the real and imaginary worlds. A research objective is studying a role and the place of a cult of ancestors in traditional etiquette of Bashkirs. When writing article the integrated approach assuming the analysis of historical, philosophical, ethnographic works and field materials received during the deep interview was applied. During the work comparative-historical and typological, descriptive methods of a research were used.Studying materials has allowed to draw a conclusion that a cult of ancestors and the followed rules of conduct in relation to the dead are based on ideas of soul as independent substance which can depart from a fright, can travel during sleep, leave a body after death, etc. Also concepts of destiny, death, soul, category of spirits and ways of coaxing of aruakh are considered. According to the beliefs of Bashkirs, souls of the dead take the mediated part in life of the descendants: protect from dangers, predict and warn. At the same time they need support therefore devote them special meals, prayers, gifts. A cult of ancestors, features of interaction with the world of spirits have found reflection in mythology, folklore and in everyday life of Bashkirs. During the research the safety and transformation of separate norms of honoring of ancestors in modern conditions are revealed.