Summary
Marija Novak: Traces of Croatian Mythology
This folkloristic study is the result of the author's long-term research and field work, interest focused on traces of pre-Christian rites and beliefs in Croatian folk customs. The book presents traces of the old faith that have been preserved in coexistence with Christian religious practice, cult places for midsummer bonfires (Glavitišče) are presented, walking carts with emphasized pre-Christian greetings to the Sun and Ljeljen's cart (pletikolo) are interpreted. The customs of "Written Sunday", sisterhood and fraternization of Slavonic queens are described, along with a detailed interpretation of symbolism and connections to pilgrimages to the Mother of God Bistrica, and the background of the divine names and nicknames (Lada and Lado, Jura and Mara, Ljelja and Ljeljo) are explained. The book is full of ethnographic data, song lyrics, folk tales and dance descriptions.
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