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Archaeologia Baltica

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Journals: Archaeologia Baltica

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Mesopotamian influences on Persian sky-watching and calendars. Part II. Ishtar and Anahita

Krzysztof Jakubiak Arkadiusz Sołtysiak

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 45–51

Abstract

There are a small number of similarities between Ishtar and Anahit, the Persian and Babylonian Venus-goddesses. These similarities may result from cultural diffusion between Persia and Mesopotamia, which was mainly eastwards. We present a comparison of the attributes belonging to both Ishtar and Anahita. This is mainly based on the Mesopotamian sources, since the Persian ones are very meagre. The relationships and influences between the two goddesses are visible in the symbolism of the planet Venus and the constellation Leo, and are associated with autumnal equinox festivals.

A solar calendar from Latvian dainas

Irena Pundure

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 39–44

Abstract

As ancient Latvians were engaged mainly in growing crops, they used the Solar Year as the basis for their time-reckoning system. Latvian Dainas (LDs) contain clear evidence that the four main seasonal festivals, recognized as the Annual Festivals (Gadskārtas svinības), correspond to the astronomical solstices and equinoxes:

Winter Solstice – Ziemassvētki (Winter Festival),

Vernal Equinox – Lieldienas (Big Day),

Summer Solstice – Jāņi,

Autumnal Equinox – Miķeļi, Apjumības (Harvesting festival).

The four ecliptic points provided recognizable clues that could be observed in nature, thus laying the foundation for the division of the year into smaller units – laiks (time), the proper names of which were formed by adding a seasonal characteristic to the term laiks (see figure), e.g. Ziemas laiks (Winter-time), Siena laiks (Hay-time), etc. and savaite – a nine-day long period. By dividing the year in this manner, the ancient Latvian time-reckoning system established a Perpetual Calendar where a particular day of the savaite and the date it represented remained constant and unchanged. In the reconstruction of the ancient Latvian Calendar, the Summer Solstice is most useful because it coincides with the Summer Festival personified by Jānis (pl. Jāņi) – Dievadēls (Son of God) that is celebrated for one day only when the night is the shortest in the year. The Latvian festivals, which formed an integral part of the ancient time-reckoning system, are still known by their original names (Grīns, Grīna 1992).

Traditional astronomical knowledge in the world-view of Belarussians in 1994-2005

Dzmitry Kanaplianikau

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 35–38

Abstract

I use methods of systems analysis to build a model of the traditional world-view among present-day Belarusians. Ethnographic observations and interviews served mostly as sources for my research on Belarusian traditional astronomical knowledge. I corroborate the assertion that today’s informants’ knowledge is traditional by a comparison with records from earlier periods.

Traditional astronomical conceptions are common among present-day Belarusians. They influence not only people’s orientation in space and management of nature, but also social relations, including the way in which calendrical, family, medical and other rituals are conducted. Traditional astronomical conceptions form part of a hierarchically arranged traditional worldview. Since these archaic myths and rituals are on the brink of extinction, it is urgent that we record them as soon as possible and take special steps to protect them.

Astronyms in Belarussian folk beliefs

Tsimafei Avilin

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 29–34

Abstract

This article presents some known Belarussian “astronyms” and related beliefs based on folkloric-ethnographic sources from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries together with material collected by the author and other researchers in the last decade.

Venus and the Star Woman

Gómez Cecilia Paula

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 25–28

Abstract

Like several other Gran Chaco indigenous groups, the Wichí identify several constellations in the sky; among them, Venus appears as an important celestial object generally identified with the mythical motif of the Star Woman. This character (kates lhukwetah) is crucial in an important myth associated with Venus. The mythical motif of the Star Woman will therefore be analysed. The cultural meanings implicit in Wichí representations of women and gender relationships are tracked in several social, symbolic, celestial and material contexts. Meaningful relationships between celestial beings (Venus), cosmological representations (Star Woman) and feminine social life (material culture, string figures, marriage alliance, initiation rites) are verified and analyzed.

The Milky Way and its structuring functions in the worldview of the Mocoví of Gran Chaco

Alejandro Martín López Sixto Giménez Benítez

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 21–24

Abstract

This paper analyses the structuring role that the Milky Way performs in the worldview of the Mocoví of the Southern Chaco (Argentina, South America). Since 1998, we have been working on a research project that involves anthropological fieldwork in order to understand Mocoví ethnoastronomy, its changes and variations, and its relationships with other regional indigenous systems of astronomy. Through an analysis of historical chronicles, early ethnographic literature and data from our own fieldwork, the present paper shows how the different interpretations the Mocoví give to the Milky Way relate to one another.

Conference summary: a historian’s perspective

Stephen C. McCluskey

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Introduction

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 19–20

Second Parts can always be better!

Juan Antonio Belmonte

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Introduction

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, p. 18

List of contributors

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Introduction

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 12–17

Preface

Jonas Vaiškūnas

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Introduction

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 8–11

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