Rural (land) community as an element of intangible cultural heritage: historical retrospection

Abstract

The historical development of the traditional peasant institute of self­government of the rural (land) community is studied, it was proved that it can be considered a manifestation of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine.
 The purpose of the paper is to explore the historical development of the peasant land, self­governing, social institution — rural (land) community; prove that the rural (land) community can be considered a manifestation of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine.
 Research methodology. The methodological basis of the study are the principles of historicism, objectivity, systematicity of scientific analysis and synthesis. The objectivity in the study is evident in identifying potential opportunities for the development of the agricultural sector of the economy. The principle of historicism provides a look at the activities of the rural (land) community as a process that developed in time in the set of historical relationships and interdependences. The study used general science and special historical methods that correspond to historical analysis. Analysis of historiography has determined the use of analysis, synthesis, generalization, classification. Methods of analysis, typology, classification, systematization were used in the study of protocols of the general meeting of land communities, letters and complaints to the authorities.
 Results. Rural (land) community has evolved under the influence of both external factors and internal ones, associated with the peculiarities of the development of the peasant “world”. Rural (land) community — a naturally created or historically developed local neighboring socio­economic, political, ideological, domestic association of peasants and their households, created in order to serve and meet their own needs and interests as co­owners of land, pastures, water, etc.; it is social organization of peasant households (individual producers), combining a system of neighboring and family ties, relations, traditions; it is a social organism associated with the traditional form of resettlement, democratic system of governance, self­government and regulation of land, economic, domestic, social and other relationships of its members; it is an element of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine.
 Novelty. For the first time, the rural (land) community is regarded as an element of intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine.
 The practical significance. The rural (land) community, as an element of intangible cultural heritage, can become an object of environmental museumification.