Ethnologica Dalmatica, Vol. 29 , 2022.
Original scientific paper
Advent In The Traditional Culture Of Split And Surroundings
Ina Kedžo
; Filozofski fakultet Split
Abstract
Advent is the time of the spiritual and physical preparation for Christmas. It consists of four weeks that symbolize the four millennia until the coming of Jesus. The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew (November, 30th).
The most important holidays in Advent are: the holiday of St. Barbara, St. Nicholas, Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Lucia, St. Thomas and, in the folklore sense, the richest holiday - Christmas eve.
St. Barbara is considered the protector of sudden death, thunder, fire and fever, and is the protector of: miners and all workers who perform life-threatening work, gunners and soldiers. St. Nicholas is one of the children’s favorite days of the year. In addition to being the protector of many cities around the world, he is also considered the protector of children, sailors, girls, the poor, students, travelers, prisoners, merchants, fishermen and traders. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we remember the importance of Jesus’ mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, saved from original sin. St. Lucy’s Memorial, is also a joyous day for children. Saint Lucia is the protector of the blind, eyes and sight. St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles is celebrated on December 21th. The day before Christmas is Christmas Eve, a day of hope, anticipation and warmth because Jesus is coming soon.
Different beliefs and customs are associated with the Advent holidays. Split and its surroundings are rich in customs, either in their original or modernized form. Different places have their own Advent customs that are similar in many ways, but all of them are characterized by joy and hope for the coming of the Savior.
Keywords
Advent; preparation; prayer; memorials; surroundings of Split
Hrčak ID:
283974
URI
Publication date:
14.9.2021.
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