The cult of ancestors in Azerbaijani folklore

Abstract

The manifestation of the Azerbaijani people's respect for the ancestor’s spirit and the
word is investigated in the article. The meaning of the “elder” word which occupies a large place in
Azerbaijani ritual folklore and customs is considered. The “elder” word’s value is discussed in
Azerbaijani folklore. In order to recognize the ancestors it is considered as one of the important
conditions that the young people of each generation should know the 7 back turns. Belief in word of
“elder” is reflected in the traditions of the Azerbaijani people. If necessary these ideas are supported
by collection examples. In addition the relationship of the elder cult with the investigated ancestor
has been determined. The functions connected with the cult word have been investigated.
The place and role of the ancestors’ cult are also considered in the old adages, folk wisdom, and
proverbs in the article. The attitude towards the ancestors’ cult has been researched in myths, works
of Ashik and generally in folklore of Azerbaijan. The attitude of our people to the ancestors’ cult
has been preserved in the attitude and faith towards the paternal (ancestral) hearths which were
under occupation for almost 30 years