Folklore of Uzbek folk funeral mournings (based on the materials of Fergana valley)

Abstract

This article provides a detailed analysis of the mourning genre, includes excerpts from marsiyeh (elegy) songs, and focuses primarily on the meaning and structure of funeral ceremonies. In addition, it explores various memorial and burial rituals, as well as associated traditional customs and practices.

The destructive nature of death has served as a powerful source of inspiration for cultural creativity throughout human history. Human society has placed against death, disappearance, and non-existence not only its belief in an afterlife and resurrection, but also a strong barrier of words, objects, and actions. All peoples believe in spirits and the afterlife, and all perform special rituals when people die.

As a rule, funeral rituals serve to transfer death to the category of, albeit extraordinary, domestic affairs, family and community affairs. It is evident that, women played a special role in these ceremonies. The author traces the history of the tradition of funeral mourning, which has sought to expand in scope but have often been suppressed by official and religious authorities.