MAGIC_AND_SUPERSTITION_IN_THE_WORLDVIEW_OF_LATVIAN_PEASANTS_16TH18TH_CENTURIES

The project focuses on the ideas of Latvian peasants about the world around them and their place in it, which are explored through the analysis of magical rituals and superstitions widespread in this social group in the 16th - 18th centuries. Magic is rituals associated with belief in a person’s ability to supernaturally influence people, animals, natural phenomena, as well as imaginary spirits and gods. In turn, superstition is understood as belief in the miraculous, supernatural, belief in cause and effect, where a cause-and-effect relationship is not visible. The project examines the following issues: factors that influenced the formation of magical rituals and superstitions; belief in miracles; ideas about the earthly and otherworldly worlds; man in the earthly and otherworldly worlds; nature in superstitions and magic; magical rituals, and superstitions in everyday life of peasants; peasants in witch trials. The research is based on an interdisciplinary and phenomenological approach.