Relics of the cult of plant in legends
Author(s)
Title
Relics of the cult of plant in legends
Alternative Title
Нишонаҳои парастиши олами рустанӣ дар ривоятҳо
Publication Type
Language
tgk
Number of Pages
6
Location
Tajikistan
Keywords
Legend
Tajik
Plants
Tree
Folklore
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
Description
In this article, the author makes an attempt to identify those elements of the ancient belief in the plant world, using the example of juniper and sycamore, the echoes of which are reflected in folk legends. Linking the origin of the genus with the plant is a product of the first stage in the emergence of totemism. People associated the conquest of the right to life and its continuation with trees and their fruits. The cult of trees was one of the most widespread types of beliefs of different peoples, including Badakhshan. It is believed that ancient people pinned great hopes on them, believed in their mighty power, and cultivated them. These sacred trees are still revered in Badakhshan. These trees and their location are called Ziyoratgoh.
Each of these objects of nature represented a symbol in human imagination, which is preserved in folk art works. It is the specific natural characteristics of something or an event that make them an artistic symbol. The juniper tree is considered a sacred tree, as if it represents the greenness of life and the survival of human life, if the thick shadow of a giant pine tree, due to its coolness, lightness, and pleasantness, is a symbol of comfort and entertainment in the imagination of people, as if it is a symbol of the durability and stability of their life. Precisely, with these characteristics and symbolic signs, these trees are attributed to the names of great people in folk legends.
When listening to legends about natural objects, it is not always necessary to keep in mind their original content. This is the art and the content of the narrative, which, along with the reflection of historical and semi-real events, also has a mythical tone.
Each of these objects of nature represented a symbol in human imagination, which is preserved in folk art works. It is the specific natural characteristics of something or an event that make them an artistic symbol. The juniper tree is considered a sacred tree, as if it represents the greenness of life and the survival of human life, if the thick shadow of a giant pine tree, due to its coolness, lightness, and pleasantness, is a symbol of comfort and entertainment in the imagination of people, as if it is a symbol of the durability and stability of their life. Precisely, with these characteristics and symbolic signs, these trees are attributed to the names of great people in folk legends.
When listening to legends about natural objects, it is not always necessary to keep in mind their original content. This is the art and the content of the narrative, which, along with the reflection of historical and semi-real events, also has a mythical tone.
Book/Journal Title
Publisher
Institute of Humanities named after academician Bahodur Iskandarov
Place of Publication
Tajikistan
Date of Publication
2021
Issue
2
Pages
97-102
ISSN
2708-308X
Academic Field
Folklore Studies
Mythology
Community/Ethnic Group
Badakshan, Tajikistan
Badakhshan, Ishkashim, Rushan, Bartang regions
Contributor
Active Contribution
Tajikistan, FY 2024