page 159–165 RUS
ÓÄÊ 392.1 EDN: VEIKQX
Utilitarian and symbolic functions of the cradle among the Karelians
Tatjana V., Pashkova, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, Russia, tvpashkova05@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0505-4767
Summary
Chronologically, the study covers the period from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century. Geographically, the research is centered on the territories of traditional Karelian settlement within the administrative borders of the Republic of Karelia. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the utilitarian and symbolic rituals associated with the use of the baby cradle in Karelian tradition. The study employs a multi-method approach. The continuous sampling method was applied in the analysis of lexicographic and folklore sources. The comparative method was used to contrast data on beliefs, traditional and mythological concepts, and ritual practices across different groups of Karelians, some other Baltic-Finnic peoples (primarily Vepsians and Finns), as well as Russians. This approach is justified by the long-term cohabitation of these groups within the same territory, which has led to cultural and linguistic mutual influence. In the comparative analysis, particular attention was given to the use of the cradle as a sleeping space for babies, its role in protective magical practices, and its incorporation into healing rituals. As a result, it has been established that the cradle had a utilitarian function as a sleeping space for babies and played a symbolic role as an object embedded in certain ritual practices.
Keywords: baby cradle, Karelian rituals, traditional culture, beliefs, folk medicine, transformation.
© Pashkova T.V., 2026
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Received 28.07.2025
Accepted 02.03.2026
Article is published: 15.06.2026
Funding.
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