In this paper, the information on folk medicine of Russian settlers of the Southern Urals (Ufa Province, now Bashkortostan and Chelyabinsk regions) is presented. The purpose of the study is to identify the common ideas about border loci, and sacred objects and items in folk medicine of Russians and other communities. The research method used is a comparative historical analysis of information collected from Russians and other ethnic groups, which makes it possible to draw time analogies and establish intercultural connections. Based on archival and field materials, and published sources, places of deliverance from illnesses (steam house, hen house, yard) and objects of “transfer” of the disease (chickens, dogs, “stove smoke”, various items) have been identified. Methods associated with “deception” of the disease using a sacral opening (window, horse collar), border loci (stove, door, gate, pillar), the use of alikes (red fabric for “red” diseases ― rubella, erysipelas and measles) have been analysed. Ethnocultural parallels in healing magic using old bast shoes have been identified. Conclusions have been drawn about the preservation of some healing practices, especially in Russian villages remote from the centers of urbanization.

Keywords: Russians of the Southern Urals, prayers and spells, border loci, sacral opening, “purchase and sale” of a child.

 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Accepted: 19.12.2024

Article is published: 15.03.2025