ETHNOLINGUSTIC ASPECTS OF THE STUDY OF FOLK FESTIVALS OF THE FRON VALLEY

Abstract

This scientific article presents the folk calendar holidays of the Fron Valley, aspects of the study of rituals and terminology related to them, and local features in the general Georgian ethnocultural context. In the conditions of modern globalization, ritual traditions have changed, some of the local holidays are still held, while others no longer function.

Some villages have several shrines, but they are named after one saint. The most important holiday in the village of Dirbi is Zedajvroba. The name is associated with the St. George's Church in Zedajvri. The holiday is celebrated annually on Monday, the twenty-second day after Easter.

On the third Friday after the Great Easter holiday, the Kvartoba festival is held in the village of Dvani, which is associated with the name of Saint George of the Kvartoba. The Kvartoba festival is also held on Thursday in the village of Khovle, the Kvartoba festival is also called the Kokhisjrob. Dvani is known for large hail, and therefore a festival against the Kokhis has been established. In Lechkhumi, the Kokhinjrob festival is confirmed, in Racha - the Kokhinjrob festival. In Western Georgia, this festival was held on May 7.

n the village of Nuli there is a church named after St. George Paraskeva, where people go to pray on Fridays and also celebrate the feast day.

In the village of Avlevi, St. George's Day, a feast dedicated to St. George, is held on May 6. The Niniashvilis living in this village also celebrate Ivanoba on July 7 along with St. George's Day. The family moved from the village of Yoncha to live there and also celebrate the feast day of the Angel of the Foundation.

Among the shrines, the most powerful shrine was considered to be St. George of Avnevi, and a folk festival was held on the Monday of the second week after Easter. There is a church named after St. George of Karaseti in Kornisi. The festival of Karaseti was held here. The icon of St. George of Karaseti was considered a powerful icon. According to the ancient belief of the people, Karaseti saved the sick from the spirit. Such sick people would be led around the church three times with burning censers in their hands and ask St. George of Karaseti to heal them.

In the nearby villages of Sagholasheni, Aradeti, Tsveri and Breti, Mariamoba/Marioba is held on August 28.

In Takhtisdziri, the Peter and Paul Church is located in the center of the village. The population celebrates the feast dedicated to the church - Peter and Paulba - on July 12. In Lechkhushi, the Peter and Paulba is held on June 29.

The system of festivals of the Fron Valley clearly reflects the veneration of Christian saints (St. George, St. Mary, St. Peter and Paul) and ancient beliefs and representations, which unite the village, express social communication, strengthen family ties, and ensure the transmission of cultural memory from generation to generation.

Keywords: Fron Valley, folk festivals, ethnolinguistic aspects, ritual terminology, cultural memory.