Journal:Archaeologia Baltica
Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 71–77
Abstract
In this article, we discuss the phenomenon of crescent-shaped pendants dating back to the Late Roman Iron Age and Early Migration Period (3rd – 6th centuries AD). Placed on horse’s foreheads, these crescent-shaped pendants evidently embodied a mythological link between the moon and the horse. The same link is clearly reflected in linguistic data and folklore right up until the 20th century. We draw special attention to a horse with a white mark on its forehead called laukas (adj.), laukis (noun) in Lithuanian, which derives from the I-E root *louk- ‘shining, bright’, as also does the Latin luna (< *louksnā). Considering the data as a whole, we propose an unexpected link between the Baltic and Roman traditions.
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.