SACREDNESS OF THE SACRIFICE

Abstract

The article analyzes the reasons for the sacralization of the sacrifice within the mythological discourse. It is argued that the sacrifice is essentially opposed to the profane world, the world of ordinary social connections, since the being of the sacrifice presupposes the "evulsion" of the individual from this world, the loss of all significant characteristics and the acquisition of another ontological status. In the metaphysical sense, the sacral meaning of the sacrifice is that it supports the established world order or renews it. In the praxeological perspective, the sacrifice manifests itself as a sacralized form of exchange. In its essential transformation, the sacrifice is something "different" – potentially and real. Really - because the sacrifice is not aleady itself (what it was until the moment of choice), but something else, actually a sacrifice by its purpose. Potentially – because it is expected to receive something different, desired or necessary instead of it. Becoming a sacrifice, the individual at the same time loses his social status and acquires a special sacral modality, which is based on ontological grounds and concrete motives specific for each model of sacrifice. The meaning of the "banal" sacrifice is that it provides special conditions for the interaction of the natural and supernatural worlds. For the "high" sacrifice, the sacredness is comprehended as the necessity to obey the concretized imperative dictate of the higher forces, which has a tinge of ordeal. In the symbolic sacrifice, the "post mortal" existence, which is realized in close connection with the sacral world, has special importance.