THE CULT OF THE BIRD (GOLDEN ROOSTER) IN FOLKLORE OF HERETI

Naile Mikeladze; Mariam Papiashvili

Naile Mikeladze PhD in Philology, Senior Researcher at Niko Berdzenishvili Institute, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University; Batumi, 6010, 32/35 Rustaveli/Ninoshvili st., Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0008-7225-1067
Mariam Papiashvili Master in Philology, Tbel Abuserisdze Teaching University of Georgian Patriarchate Batumi, 6010, №378 Pridon Khalvashi, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4160-0569

Abstract

In the folklore of Hereti, even today, the traditions of the Christian religion, the group of saints and the legends connected to the etymological toponyms have an outstanding place.

The article aims to highlight the analysis of folk oral material of historical Hereti. In it, we consider the folklore materials preserved in the consciousness of the local people, which are substitutes for Christian themes and are related to the name of St. George and the Virgin Mary.

The gathered and analysed materials in the paper are noteworthy to the extent that the topic refers to the contaminated topic of pagan-Muslim-Christian traditions. The analysis of issues is significant for promotion the historiography and cultural awareness of the Georgian nation. Therefore, despite the historical heresy, the inhabitants of Hereti have preserved their ancestors’ beliefs, traditions and special attitude towards saints. The topic discusses the story of the saint's bird "Golden Rooster", which is deeply connected with the name of St. George and the Virgin Mary. "Golden Rooster" symbolically heralds the dawn of a new day for the Hereti, which lived in the imaginary future.

Thus, the folklore materials preserved in the consciousness of the Hereltians corresponds the general Georgian materials and are valuable from the national point of view.

Key words: Hereti; Saint George; Saint Mary; Kurmukhi Church; “Golden Rooster”.