THE ROLE OF WINE IN TRANSITION CEREMONIES AND CERTAIN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Abstract

Viniculture is one the most developed branches of agriculture in the Middles Ages on the territory of Vojvodina, and grapevine is one of the oldest agricultural crops. Wine, a drink that is a product of cultivation of grapevine, and a spiritual beverage of divine provenance, has a varied use: it is used in everyday and special occasions, to celebrate the patron saint’s day and important events in the family, and it is indispensable in Christian customs and church rituals. In this paper, we consider the knowledge and data obtained through ethnological researches concerning the role of wine in certain Christian customs and transition ceremonies in a human life cycle. Customs related to childbirth, marriage and funerals are the most important transition ceremonies in a human life cycle, along with the celebrations of many Christian holidays in which wine is used without exception. While observing the customs that are part of those ceremonies, we may notice many very different matters concentrated in them. That is mostly a result of many intertwinings and syncretisms of customs. With time, mostly due to modern views and notions, some elements are forgotten, and some are re-established, but with a different meaning. Even today, in various religious systems it is considered that deities and demons, as well as higher forces, can be propitiated and won over with both blood and bloodless sacrifices. We may say that wine has a dual role: it represents libation, but also a substitute for blood, and blood sacrifice. In terms of mythology, grapevine is a sacred tree and a symbol of immortality, and wine – the beverage of gods – of youth and eternal life.