THE INFLUENCE OF ORTHODOX BELIEFS IN ARCHAIC MODEL OF OLD AGE IN THE SLAVIC TRADITIONAL CULTURE
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Abstract
Introduction. The subject of the publication is the transformation of Slavic pagan ideas about old age after the adoption of Christianity. The purpose of the article is to study the influence of Orthodoxy for the archaic pagan model of old age, formed in the traditional Slavic culture. Methods. Research methodology is based on using a phenomenological approach, comparative historical and structural methods. Results. Old age is considered as an integral part of the full life cycle, reflecting the idea of the arrival of a person in the world, performing certain existential challenges and natural transition from the sphere of mundane existence to the hereafter. Old age was a stratification characteristic of a person without clearly defined chronological boundaries, whereas age in traditional society is determined not by the number of years and a number of physiological and social features. Aging was explained both by the natural and supernatural influence. The concept of «old» had a wide polysemantic values depending of the scope of using. In ethnic Slavic culture mainly the positive image of an old age generates, which is a period of summing up of an outcome of the life and of preparing a person to the afterlife. Originality. This scientific research is the first attempt of a holistic understanding of images of the old age in tradition Slavic culture formed under conditions of dual faith (pagan and orthodoxy). Conclusion. For the Christian era image of old age that grew out of ancient pagan traditions, gained some new features. Understanding of old age as ancient time and of prime causes has related to the biblical view of the world. The archaic mechanism of patrimonial transmission experience from generation to generation is reinvented: knowledge of magic-sacral areas is regarded as magical and identical to sin. In addition to his traditional social functions the old man is bound to further self-improvement and diligence. So far as some vectors of understanding of the old age in the Slavic ethnic culture have been preserving in modern society, further studying of this issue is promising for solving urgent problems of ageing philosophy.
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