|
|
|
|
Behind the Mask: Bulgaria's Koukeri Ritual |
| Section: CULTURE / PEOPLES |
| Author: Juliette Terzieff |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 1/1/1999 |
| Size: 1,605 Words, 9,849 Characters |
|
"Twenty years ago, that was me," reminisced the young girl's mother.
"And in twenty years, it will be your granddaughter," said Nickolai from behind the mask.
Nickolai Shopov has participated in the koukeri rituals for twenty-five years. "I plan to go for at least another twenty-five," he promised with a sly smile. Within the small villages of the Rhodope Mountains, in south-central Bulgaria, an ancient tradition is preserved. Twice a year, the town's men and boys dress as fierce, animal-like creatures and set out to battle the earth's ever-present dark forces.
The koukeri honor tradition
Koukeri rituals originated more than twenty-five hundred years ago from Thracian belief in pagan deities and devils. During the New Year and at the passage of winter to spring, the koukeri ga...
. . .
...he thought someday he would participate in the rituals with his sons. "Why, of course. It couldn't be any other way," he replied. With a mischievous smile, Ivan ducked back under his mask and pointed his sword toward some toddlers who had watched our exchange. "Watch this. There is nothing better." The younger children screamed with laughter and scattered to the winds as Ivan charged at them.
(824 of 9,849 characters)
Do you want to read
the whole article? You can
purchase it here.
Subscriber Login |
|
|
Publication Details
(The World & I Online) |
|
The World & I Online is a
comprehensive academic resource that encompasses a broad range of
articles by scholars and experts in the areas of Global Studies,
Liberal Arts, Fine & Applied Arts, General Science, and Spanish.
Originally published monthly in print as The World & I, our site
includes the complete contents since 1986 and continues to publish
a new issue online each month. |
|
Individual Subscription
|
 |
|
|
|
College Orders (based
on full-time enrollment) |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
Up to 1,000 Students |
|
-
1,001 to 2,500 Students |
|
-
2,501 to 5,000 Students |
|
-
5,001 to 10,000 Students |
|
-
10,001 or More Students |
|
|
|
Public Library Orders |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
6 to 50 Computers |
|
-
51 to 100 Computers |
|
For over 100
computers, call 866-211-6040. |
|
|
