Functions of the Final Formulas in Christmas Ritual Carols

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Abstract:

The main object of this research is the final formulas of Bulgarian folklore ritual songs performed during Christmas caroling. They represent the artistic canon, which is of vital importance for folklore aesthetics, and serve as culturally important units. These formulas are not linked to a specific subject. They consist of a limited number of motifs and during the performance, these formulas are included at the end of the songs. The analysis of each individual motif proves that these formulas represent the key ideas of the ritual. These ideas are then specified and studied. The ways in which these final formulas realise their functions are also established in the research – they serve as an instrument for the determination of the specific ritual realia by correlating them to the common, fixed units of the religious rite.

Keywords:

folklore, ritual, poetic formula.

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