Croatology, Vol. 16 No. 2, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.59323/k.16.2.2
The Beliefs of the Old Klakarčani, Inhabitants of Brodsko Posavlje
Ana Tereza Želinski
; "Vjekoslav Klaić" Elementary School, Garčin, Croatia
Abstract
The beliefs of our ancestors were often shaped by their experiences, culture, and upbringing. These beliefs played a significant role in shaping their
worldview and influenced their decisions and actions. By nurturing traditional beliefs and passing them down through generations, they followed a moral
compass and, through these beliefs, shaped their sense of purpose, the meaning
of life, a source of comfort and strength to help them cope with difficult times
and challenges. Luka Lukić, a teacher and chronicler, was well-acquainted with
the residents of Klakar in the Brod-Posavina County, as evidenced by numerous
writings in which he documented their beliefs. By exploring the central themes
that shaped the worldview of the old Klakarčani, Lukić’s texts, recorded in
the first half of the 20th century, speak simply and openly about the creation
of the world, beliefs in fairies, witches, those who judge the dead, watermills,
nightmares, death, monsters, and abnormalities. They also explore natural forces and their power, the importance of coexisting with animals and plants, the
significance of faith above all, the afterlife, and the possibility of reincarnation,
all through the individual perspectives of the narrators, Lukić’s fellow villagers. The richness of Lukić’s writings is an inexhaustible source of wisdom and
knowledge about the residents of Brod Posavina, which has not been discussed
until now. Recorded in this way, they open the doors to a unique analysis of folk
beliefs. A textual analysis will provide answers to what the residents of Klakar
believed and show how beliefs can enrich, elevate, and spiritualize believers,
while also familiarizing us with the thoughts of the old Klakarčani.
Keywords
beliefs ; Brod Posavina ; Klakar ; Luka Lukić ; textual analysis
Hrčak ID:
337381
URI
Publication date:
2.11.2025.
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