Even if the practice of real shamanism was abandoned by the Maris as far back as the X-XIth century, the exercise of a type of paganism remained active among them, in the Latin sense of the word paganus, i.e. of the country, which can be related significantly to the mythological and magic scenario of the ancient Finno-Ugric and Siberian peoples. The figure of the shaman, who is familiar with certain techniques of ecstasy, is only a pale memory of the distant past. His role as intermediary between man and supernatural forces is entrusted to the kart, who is concerned with sacrifices, offerings and ritual prayers to the divinities. But, like the shaman, the kart is the “historical memory” of his community, and is an expert in the traditions of magic, knows how to solve difficulties and practises psychotherapy, and is a respected “social functionary”, with the ability to help people. Furthermore, collective rituals, which attract a large number of participants, also reflect the ancient shamanic myths connected with sacred flora, animal totemism, water, fire and the rivalry between the god of evil (Keremet) and his brother, the creator of the world (Jumo), and so on. In the past the Maris included in their pantheon the divinities of the dominating peoples, especially the Chuvash, with a syncretism which enriches but does not take away its own nature. In the magic tradition of today not only are the ancient characteristics preserved, but also the tendency to give rebirth to the most significant forgotten practices. In addition, shamanic concepts leave their distinct mark on the social ethics of the Maris, making a priority of the safeguard of nature, respect for tradition and the ancestors, and are still an expression of their cultural identity. It is the adversities of history and the long suffering of their nation which has for a long time kept the Maris closely tied to the system of beliefs of their ancestors, allowing for those changes which form part of the dynamics of the natural evolution of every culture.
C. Corradi (2008). Shamanic Elements in the Paganism of the Maris. BUDAPEST : Akadémiai Kiadó.
Shamanic Elements in the Paganism of the Maris
CORRADI, CARLA
2008
Abstract
Even if the practice of real shamanism was abandoned by the Maris as far back as the X-XIth century, the exercise of a type of paganism remained active among them, in the Latin sense of the word paganus, i.e. of the country, which can be related significantly to the mythological and magic scenario of the ancient Finno-Ugric and Siberian peoples. The figure of the shaman, who is familiar with certain techniques of ecstasy, is only a pale memory of the distant past. His role as intermediary between man and supernatural forces is entrusted to the kart, who is concerned with sacrifices, offerings and ritual prayers to the divinities. But, like the shaman, the kart is the “historical memory” of his community, and is an expert in the traditions of magic, knows how to solve difficulties and practises psychotherapy, and is a respected “social functionary”, with the ability to help people. Furthermore, collective rituals, which attract a large number of participants, also reflect the ancient shamanic myths connected with sacred flora, animal totemism, water, fire and the rivalry between the god of evil (Keremet) and his brother, the creator of the world (Jumo), and so on. In the past the Maris included in their pantheon the divinities of the dominating peoples, especially the Chuvash, with a syncretism which enriches but does not take away its own nature. In the magic tradition of today not only are the ancient characteristics preserved, but also the tendency to give rebirth to the most significant forgotten practices. In addition, shamanic concepts leave their distinct mark on the social ethics of the Maris, making a priority of the safeguard of nature, respect for tradition and the ancestors, and are still an expression of their cultural identity. It is the adversities of history and the long suffering of their nation which has for a long time kept the Maris closely tied to the system of beliefs of their ancestors, allowing for those changes which form part of the dynamics of the natural evolution of every culture.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
