Rituals and Customs Connected with Woman’s Pregnancy Among the Peoples of the Sayan-Altai Region (the Case Study of the Tuvans and the Khakass)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the integrated study of the system of prohibitions and precepts concerning the life cycle rites among the Tuvans and the Khakass. The relevance of the issue is determined by the need for its study and possible restoration of the progressive traditions connected with the pregnancy. Since this issue is poorly investigated, especially in relation to the Tuvan culture, it requires further research. Special attention is paid to the prohibitions and precepts with a psychological nature, peculiar to pregnant womеn regarding housing (rites concerning the space inside and outside of «yurta» (nomad’s tent)), clothing, household items, food, animals and plants. Birthing rituals of the Tuvans including comparative analysis with other peoples of the Sayan-Altai region have not been under consideration yet. So, this is the first attempt made in the article to undertake an integrated study of birthing rituals of the Tuvans and the Khakass. As a result of the research, the author has analyzed the attitude of traditional society towards woman’s pregnancy, delivery and birth of a child, has given the classification of ritual practices associated with woman’s pregnancy, and has distinguished some cycles of birthing rituals.