Materials for the Studies of Candlemas in Polesie: The Magic Uses of Consecrated Candles in the Calendar and the Family Ritual Cycles

Abstract

In the traditional culture of Polessie special part belongs to the candles consecrated on the day of Candlemas held on 2/15 of February. These candles are used in the family-life  cycles, calendric,  agricultural and occasional rites, in multiple magic acts  aiming at producing safety and health. The article is based on the data from the Polessian archive and field materials of the author.