Γυναίκες, γάλα, συγγένεια : Κοινά παλαιοβαλκανικά στοιχεία στό λαϊκό πολιτισμό τών Βαλκανικών λαών
Part of : Επετηρίς του Κέντρου Ερεύνης της Ελληνικής Λαογραφίας ; Vol.28, 1986, pages 43-68
Issue:
Pages:
43-68
Parallel Title:
Women, Milk, Kinship : Paleo-Balkanic Common Traits in the Folk Culture of Balkan Peoples
Author:
Abstract:
This paper is concerned with matrilateral kinship among balkan peoples. In the case of balkan peoples, kinship groups are formed in a patrilineal manner, as a rule. Kinship from the maternal side, however, is also taken under consideration. This is evident by the forbidding of marriage between individuals which have a matrilateral relationship, by the bride-price custom in which the bride' s mother and maternal uncles are also entitled to a share and by other customs and symbols as well. Milk constitutes one of the most important symbols of matrilateral kinship. This symbol connects children that have been breast-fed by the same woman and creates an unbreakable bond which is considered to be a marriage -obstacle if these children are of the opposite sex. This is a symbol of archaic origin that has been encountered in the balkan peninsula from the proto-historic (maybe even the prehistoric) period. Myths about breast-feeding goddesses or female spirits are nevertheless spread out throughout the hellenic and balkan areas until present.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
