Християнські фемінообрази в українському фольклорі

Abstract

This article highlights three Christian female images – the Virgin Mary, Saint Barbara and Saint Paraskevi of Iconium (also known as Paraskeva Piatnytsia), which are represented in the Ukrainian folklore. The image of the Virgin Mary is the most widely represented in different genres, while Saint Barbara and Saint Paraskevi are slightly less popular. The Holy Virgin is represented in different genres: she is appealed to in incantations (in financial, treatment, family and household purposes), Christmas carols and songs (koliadkas and shchedrivkas), christening ritual songs, and in the folk prose. She is perceived as a fateful figure who impacts the human life and takes care of the family. The Mother of God is depicted as an ordinary woman: she sings shchedrivkas, spins, takes care of small children, etc. It is important to emphasize that this image of the Virgin is “nationalized” and adapted to the local environment. The folklore image of St. Barbara is disclosed in heortological motives (prohibition to work on holidays). Saint Paraskevi of Iconium (Paraskeva Piatnytsia) is associated with fertility, marriage, household work, souls of the dead. All folklore feminine images have generalizing features: of a woman, a girl, a mother, a housewife, a patroness and a protector (of families, mothers, orphans, sinful souls, churches). The folk vision interpreted the Christian images and events quite peculiarly; this interpretation does not always coincide with the church and canonical vision, so it is valuable and significant for the Ukrainian culture.