Tea Well-Wishes in 20th-Century Kalmyk Lyric Poetry: The Folklore Aspect Revisited
https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2023-66-2-428-443
Abstract
Introduction. In Kalmyk folklore, the genre of tea well-wishes (Kalm. цәәд тәвх йѳрәл) accompanies many rituals characterized by magic poetry and aimed to secure health, longevity, well-being, human happiness, as well as preservation and prosperity of the surrounding world. Tea is a major meal component to be offered to the spirits of ancestors, deities, and individuals for the fulfillment of well-wishes. In Kalmyk traditional meals, tea remains a basic element. The article is topical enough since tea well-wishes in 20th-century Kalmyk poetry are still somewhat understudied. Goals. The study seeks to identify related examples in terms of genre, consider the folklore tradition and innovations, analyze available Russian translations for adequacy. Materials and methods. The article focuses on representative Kalmyk- and Russian-language (including Russian translations) poems by Kalmyk poets addressed to tea. Methodology rests on historical-literary and comparative approaches to reveal the relation between folklore and poetry, the continuity of this genre throughout Kalmykia’s literary process. Results. The paper attests to the bulk of poetic tea well-wishes — in the folklore aspect — underwent some changes and were created in the mid-to-late 20th century. Conclusions. Tea well-wishes in writings of Kalmyk poets are characterized by genre syntheses, certain plots, inclusions of proverbs and sayings, folklore formulas, praises to the beverage, descriptions of how it be cooked, and its leading role in the ethnic meals model.
Supporting agencies: The reported study was funded by government subsidy, project no. 123021300198-4 ‘Universals and Specifics of the Traditions of the Mongolian-Speaking Peoples through the Prism of Cross-Cultural Contacts and the System of Relations between Russia, Mongolia and China’.
About the Author
Rimma M. Khaninova
Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. Sc. (Philology), Leading Research Associate
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Review
For citations:
Khaninova R.M. Tea Well-Wishes in 20th-Century Kalmyk Lyric Poetry: The Folklore Aspect Revisited. Oriental Studies. 2023;16(2):428-443. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2023-66-2-428-443
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