The meaning of the word "outskirts" began to slowly be forgotten by people. But how can they be blamed for this? After all, such are the realities: some things arise, while others disappear without a trace. And nothing can be done about it.
A century ago, the word "outskirts" was in wide use, especially among villagers. Many traditions and rituals were associated with him, but first things first.
What it is?
Okolitsa is a wooden fence surrounding a village or village. It served as the boundary marking the edge of the village. Made it from wooden beams or vines. It depended on a particular region and those natural resources that were available to its inhabitants.
The height of the outskirts has changed over the centuries. Initially, it served as a kind of protective wall protecting the village from enemies and wild animals. But over time, attacks began to occur less and less, because the civilized world did not encourage robbery. After this, the outskirts became more of a decoration than a protective mechanism.
If we talk about it in a figurative sense, the outskirts - this is the edge of the village. However, it does not have to be fenced or marked. In this case, it is a symbol.
Ancient traditions of the Slavs
Particularly powerful was the outskirts of the Slavs. This can be understood by considering those beliefs and rituals that could reach our times. In some villages they are still held today, however, now it is more of an entertainment than a sacred action. But there were times when people sincerely believed in the existence of spirits and demons. At the same time, they did their best to protect themselves from their evil influence.
The Slavs believed that the outskirts - a wall that protects the world of people from the world of spirits. They believed that evil could not pass through this barrier, unless the evil sorcerer helped her in this. That is why they so carefully selected the place and material for its construction.
Great Saturday Rite
Okolitsa is not an easy wooden fence. If it is built without a proper rite, then it will lose its magical properties. The Slavs knew this, and therefore they always performed the ritual in the way that traditions ordered.
Most often, the action fell on Great Saturday, as good magic is the strongest on this day. According to tradition, on the indicated day it was necessary to outline the border of the village with a wooden plow so that a small moat was formed. If this was the first rite in the village, then a small fence was built over the place of the moat.
In some villages, this tradition has survived even after the advent of Christianity. True, its meaning has changed a little. Now, such rituals are very rare, and the word "outskirts" disappears from the verbal circulation.