THE PECULIARITIES OF THE CEREMONY “KUL CHARSHANBA” (“ASH WEDNESDAY”)

Abstract

The ceremonies held since the ancient times to nowadays play a great role in the investigation of the culture, art and character of the people. If the ceremonies had more the religious-magical functions in the ancient times, then most of them lost their functions and were celebrated simply as a fun or a game.
The investigation of the ceremony folklore is very important not only for the study of this type of folklore, but also for the study of the oldest sources of the word art in general. The role of historical and geographical factors, genetic and ethnic relations in the formation of the traditional customs and ceremonies of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Great Britain is very great. In the article the ceremonies about the end of winter - the arrival of summer in folklore of different peoples are looked through. In the article “Kul Charshanba” (“Ash Wednesday”) considered a seasonal ceremony in the folklore of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Great Britain is investigated comparatively. The author analyzing the ceremony “Kul Charshan- ba” and “Ash Wednesday” shows the similar and different aspects. It is also noted that “Kul Charshanba” (“Ash Wednesday”) is celebrated as a calendar ceremony in the sources. It is also shown that Wednesday ash is a symbol of fertility in the folklore of both peoples and at the same time it is used as a means of protection from the evil forces. In the article proverbs, sayings, riddles, beliefs, etc. about the word “ash” in the folklore of both peoples are given as the examples. The author shows that “Kul Charshanba” (“Ash Wednesday”) is an important resource in or- der to investigate the faith, psychology, character of both peoples.