Traditional Rituals and Beliefs in the Peoples of the Balkans

Abstract

In traditional beliefs, rituals and customs of the people of the Balkans, we notice external factors, like the phenomenon of casting an eye on someone, magic tricks and beliefs on magicians and future predictors or seers, the cult of water, stone, vampire, etc. These phenomena come as a result of the similar historical past. These rituals have been practiced in special occasions, to pray for a good health, or to prevent different illnesses or evils, as well as to pray for prosperity in the family. With the acts of the rituals it is aimed at realizing the wishes in a non-natural way, through prayers, blessings, oaths or different magic formulas, and with frightening acts. The rituals are passed from one generation to the other and nowadays they are still preserved in detached rural areas, whereas in the urban areas traditional rituals are less present. In fact, today they have a different connotation, like the celebration of Saint Valentine, reading the cup of the coffee, reading cards, etc. even though they are of a different character, they are still a means of identifying us as a community of the Balkans. Keywords: rituals, tradition, beliefs, cults, vampires, witches.