Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 63 No. 1-2, 1993.
Original scientific paper
Manifestations of Marian Observances in the Post Concil Period and their Croatian Folk Characteristics
Jelka Radauš Ribarić
; Ethnographic Museum, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
This article gives a short account of some basic developments in the life of Croatian Catholics since the end of World War II, during the communist period and especially since the Second Vatican Concil and the efect these have had on various kinds of observances. In the Marian folk tradition group pilgrimages to Marian shrines, today by bus, have always been a central feature. Even today, however, the older forma of pilgrimage on foot is still found (e. g. the annual votive pilgrimage to Marija Bistrica, an unbroken tradition since 1731). Pilgrimages on foot have in some places been purposely revived (from 1981 the youth pilgrimage from Split to Our Ladys church in Sinj). Crawling on knees round the Virgin's shrine is also still found. During pilgrimages there is very loud singing of Marian hymns and prayers in alternating voices and telling of the rosary. In the churches worshippers go round the shrine three times bringing alms and lighting candles. The tradition of carrying the statue of the Virgin in religious procession from one place to another is also still alive (Pag) and so are boat processions. Most folklore elements were earlier found in the Our Lady of Zečevo observances in the little town of Nin, to which people came from a wide mountain and costal area (here girls played the main part, flowers had an important role, special hymns were sung and apotropeic round dancing, ritual washing in the sea, carrying the figure of the Virgin above the heads of worshippers and her transfer by boat to Zečevo).This was forbidden by the authorities in the early fifties, and by the church immediately after the II Vatican Concil. All these folk observances are supported by examples from the past.
A completely new expression of folk devotion has arisen very recently in the wearing of the rosary round the neck by Croatian soldiers.
The article ends with some examples of the manifestation of deeply religious feelings according to B. V. Maria among simple Croatian people.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
35712
URI
Publication date:
16.12.1993.
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