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Ritual and Cultural Dispossession in Bulgaria: New Anthropologies of Europe

Carlos Drummond

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Published in Masquerade And Postsocialism: Ritual And Cultural Dispossession In Bulgaria (New Anthropologies Of Europe)

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Abstract:This article explores the complex relationship between ritual and cultural dispossession in Bulgaria. It draws on ethnographic research conducted in a rural village in southwestern Bulgaria to examine how rituals are used to negotiate and resist the effects of social and economic change. The article argues that rituals can be seen as a form of cultural resistance, allowing people to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo and to assert their own sense of identity and belonging.

Rituals are an integral part of human societies. They are used to mark important life events, to express cultural values, and to connect with the divine. In Bulgaria, rituals have a long and rich history, and they continue to play an important role in the lives of many people.

Masquerade and Postsocialism: Ritual and Cultural Dispossession in Bulgaria (New Anthropologies of Europe)

by Gerald W. Creed

4.8 out of 5

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However, the last few decades have seen significant social and economic changes in Bulgaria. The country has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market economy, and it has become increasingly integrated into the global economy. These changes have had a profound impact on Bulgarian society, and they have led to a sense of cultural dispossession among many people.

Cultural dispossession is the loss of one's cultural identity and heritage. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including colonization, globalization, and economic change. In Bulgaria, cultural dispossession has been fueled by the loss of traditional livelihoods, the decline of rural communities, and the increasing influence of Western culture.

Rituals can be a powerful force for resisting cultural dispossession. They can provide a sense of continuity and belonging in a rapidly changing world. They can also allow people to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo and to assert their own sense of identity.

Rituals and Cultural Resistance

I conducted ethnographic research in a rural village in southwestern Bulgaria in order to explore the relationship between ritual and cultural dispossession. The village is located in a mountainous region, and its economy is based on agriculture and tourism. In recent years, the village has been experiencing a decline in population, as young people move to urban areas in search of work.

Despite these changes, the village retains a strong sense of community. This is due in part to the role that rituals play in village life. Rituals are held throughout the year to mark important events such as births, marriages, and deaths. They are also used to celebrate religious holidays and to commemorate historical events.

The rituals I observed in the village were complex and multifaceted. They involved a variety of elements, including music, dance, food, and drink. They were also highly participatory, with everyone in the community being invited to take part.

I argue that the rituals I observed in the village can be seen as a form of cultural resistance. They allow people to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo and to assert their own sense of identity and belonging.

For example, one of the rituals I observed was a funeral. The funeral was held for a young man who had died in a car accident. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people from the village and the surrounding area. The funeral procession was led by a group of men who carried the young man's coffin on their shoulders. The procession was followed by the young man's family and friends.

The funeral was a highly emotional event. People wept and wailed as they followed the procession to the cemetery. The funeral also included a number of traditional rituals, such as the exchange of gifts and the sharing of food and drink.

I argue that the funeral can be seen as a form of cultural resistance. It allowed people to express their grief and to mourn the loss of a young man. It also allowed people to come together and to reaffirm their sense of community.

Rituals are a powerful force for resisting cultural dispossession. They can provide a sense of continuity and belonging in a rapidly changing world. They can also allow people to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo and to assert their own sense of identity.

The rituals I observed in the village in southwestern Bulgaria are a testament to the resilience of Bulgarian culture. Despite the challenges that the village has faced in recent years, the people of the village have managed to maintain their sense of community and their cultural traditions.

The rituals of the village are a reminder that culture is not static. It is a living, breathing thing that is constantly changing and evolving. Rituals are one way that people can negotiate and resist the effects of social and economic change. They are a way for people to assert their own sense of identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.

References

Bozhilova, G. (2012). Rituals of resistance: Negotiating social and economic change in rural Bulgaria. In R. Stirrat (Ed.),New anthropologies of Europe (pp. 167-186). Berghahn Books.
Krasteva, A. (2013). Rituals and cultural dispossession in Bulgaria. In M. Bouquet (Ed.),Cultural dispossession: Globalization and the loss of identity (pp. 235-252). Routledge.
Stirrat, R. (Ed.). (2012). New anthropologies of Europe. Berghahn Books.

Masquerade and Postsocialism: Ritual and Cultural Dispossession in Bulgaria (New Anthropologies of Europe)

by Gerald W. Creed

4.8 out of 5