Dagrún Ósk Jónsdóttir, an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics at the University of Iceland, will be teaching a course titled “Cannibalism and Culture” as part of the Continuing Education Program this fall.1 Cannibalism, which is considered a major taboo
Category: Culture
Goat Symbolism: Why Were Goats Associated with the Devil?
The roots of goat symbolism extend back thousands of years, reaching into prehistoric times. Goats, among the first animals domesticated by humans, are known for their ability to navigate steep slopes effortlessly. Neolithic communities benefited from both the meat and milk, as well as
Shaman Drums: The Mysterious Symbolism of Communicating with Spirits
The most important instrument used by shamans to go into trance and communicate with supernatural beings is the drum. Shaman drums are usually made by stretching the skin of some animals such as goat, deer or cattle over a wooden frame. After the skin
Cemetery Trees: Why do People Plant Trees in Cemeteries?
Although today’s cemeteries are mostly filled with ornamental plants and decorative trees, you may have noticed that some species such as pine, cypress and yew are more common. So, what are these tree species that have spiritual and folkloric meanings beyond their decorative function?
Imbolc in Mythology, Paganism, and Wicca: Origins, Customs and Traditions
Imbolc is a pagan festival that signifies that nature is awakening from its hibernation and that spring is approaching. Despite its Celtic origin, it is celebrated by many people in different countries today. It is often associated with concepts such as purity, renewal, hope,
An Ethnographic Research on the Bocuk Night
Bocuk Night, a tradition that was on the brink of being forgotten, experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 2010s, thanks to the support of local governments. These celebrations, which stand as significant cultural symbols of Thrace, swiftly evolved into a festival with the
Winter Solstice: What are Yule, Saturnalia and Nardugan?
For most of us, December means long nights, decorated pines, preparations for New Year’s Eve, and maybe mulled wine. Not to mention events such as Christmas, Yule and Nardugan… But are these festivals, which have their origins dating back to ancient times, any connection
Krampus Night: From Medieval Fears to Modern Celebrations
Krampus Night is a traditional folkloric event usually celebrated in Central European countries. It derives its name from the demonic creature Krampus, which holds a significant place in Central European and Eastern Alpine folklore. Who is Krampus? According to mythological narratives and folk tales,
Ubır: A Vampire-Like Creature in Turkic Mythology and Folk Beliefs
Turkic mythology, deriving its origins from animism, shamanism, Tengrism, and the Ural-Altaic folk belief system, encompasses a diverse array of supernatural creatures, such as Aldacı Han, Alkarısı, and others… Among these creatures, Ubır, notable for its resemblance to the contemporary vampire archetype, stands out
Death, Aldacı Han and Spirits Day in Turkic Mythology
The only thing we can never experience until we die is death itself. Although some of us consider it a simple transformation, death means pain and sadness for many people. So much so that both literature and art are full of myths of immortality