The Mystery of Vlach Magic in the Rural Areas of 21st century Serbia

Authors

  • Anđelija Ivkov-Džigurski Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
  • Vedrana Babić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences
  • Aleksandra Dragin Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
  • Kristina Košić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences
  • Ivana Blešić University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/v10130-012-0004-9

Keywords

beliefs, magic, culture, Vlachs, Serbia

Abstract

 This article offers an ethnographic exploration of the Vlachs in the Branicevo region     of Serbia. The Vlachs rarely exist anywhere as a distinct ethnic group due to their     permanent assimilation with other ethnic groups. The thing that has always been     linked to the folklore of the Vlachs and still attracts a large number of people to come     and visit some remote parts of Eastern Serbia is definitely a certain mystery which     represents the essential part of the culture of this nation. Instances of Vlach magic can     be seen in the Timok area, all over Eastern Serbia and across its borders. Vlach magic     is a miracle or is miraculous, when looking at how long it has been present, its unique     rituals, beliefs, shamans and spells.     Vlach culture intertwined with pagan customs and interesting rituals, makes the     municipalities in Eastern Serbia mysterious places in modern 21st century Europe,     because the Vlachs are a mostly closed (endogamous) population which do not blend     with people of other nationalities.    

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Eastern European Countryside

Published

2014-04-14

How to Cite

1.
IVKOV-DŽIGURSKI, Anđelija, BABIĆ, Vedrana, DRAGIN, Aleksandra, KOŠIĆ, Kristina and BLEŠIĆ, Ivana. The Mystery of Vlach Magic in the Rural Areas of 21st century Serbia. Eastern European Countryside. Online. 14 April 2014. Vol. 18, pp. 61-84. [Accessed 20 December 2024]. DOI 10.2478/v10130-012-0004-9.

Issue

Vol. 18 (2012)

Section

Research Reports and Materials

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