TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLES OF DAGESTAN (HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF FUNERAL RITES)

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive historical and cultural research of funeral rites as an important part of traditional Dagestan culture. The funeral rites of the peoples of Dagestan are the most well established and “consecrated” by the ancient traditions cycle of actions, the violation of which has met and still meets with strong condemnation from public opinion. It reflects the moral attitudes developed by a long experience of national life. Despite the deeply tragic nature of the process itself, there is a clear regulation of ritual activities, there are elements of theatricality. The entire cycle of the early funeral rites of the people of Dagestan is analyzed, which includes pre-funeral customs and rituals, funerals themselves and rites and customs associated with funerals. A comparative characteristic with the funeral rite at the present stage is also carried out; its current and obsolete elements are indicated. The authors come to the conclusion that the funeral ritual of the Dagestan peoples was and re-mains multi-layered, despite the greatest Islamization and regulation by the clergy of many moments of the funeral cycle. It is shown that many elements of the former pagan rituals have been preserved and reflected in the funeral rites, although in a somewhat transformed and modified form.