Fish in the traditional worldview of the khakas: the image and symbol

Abstract

The article delves into the intricate tapestry of Khakas folklore and ethnographic insights, incorporating archival data newly introduced into scholarly discourse. Through this comprehensive approach, the study reconstructs and analyzes the complex worldview of the Khakas people in relation to fish. It was revealed that within Khakas culture, fish held a pivotal position, symbolically laden with diverse meanings.

In traditional Khakas beliefs, the fish symbol was intricately intertwined with water, representing a vital element of nature and a fundamental life force. Regarded as a primordial being, the fish was revered as a sacred creature with the crucial role of upholding the earth. Furthermore, its symbolic connection to the celestial realm was unveiled. The religious and mythological consciousness of the Khakas conceptualized the fish as a totemic ancestor and the embodiment of the spirit of the water deity, known as sug ezi. This association led to the development of a unique system of ritual exchange centered around the principle of reciprocity.

The study also highlighted a fascinating trend among the Khakas people, wherein natural creatures were anthropomorphized, while conversely, there was a reverse process observed — the transference of ichthyological symbolism onto human figures. This fascinating interplay culminated in the mythological notion of potential unions between humans and water spirits, often depicted in ichthyomorphic forms. The fish, alongside other symbols, was recognized as a phallic symbol and was intricately linked to fertility concepts within Khakas cultural narratives.