ANCA CEAUŞESCU, Câteva consideraţii privind simbolistica fierului în obiceiurile familiale din Oltenia [Some Considerations on the Symbolism of Iron in the Family Traditions of Oltenia]

ANCA CEAUŞESCU
Cercetător ştiinţific III, dr., Institutul de Cercetări Socio-Umane „C. S. Nicolăescu-Plopşor”, Craiova, al Academiei Române;
E-mail: ancaceausescu@yahoo.com

Abstract
In the life of traditional societies, the symbol has played a fundamental role, often defining the overall view of existence. The language and symbolic thinking with which man was endowed has made him able to communicate otherwise about phenomena and things others than the near, quotidian universe. In the communication between the individual and the other members of the community, a series of ritual and ceremonial acts are carried out, the fulfillment of which involves, besides certain elements that define space and time, and also a series of objects belonging to the custom, with and through which messages are transmitted.
In this material, we have turned our attention to the mythical-symbolic meanings of iron, with particular reference to its presence in the ritual and ceremonial practices that mark the main moments of the man’s existence (birth, wedding, funeral).

Keywords
symbolism, iron, family habits, ritual practices, tradition