Child ptrotection in the rituals and beliefs of Tuvans Russia, China, and Mongolia: tradition and modernity

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the protective measures surrounding child welfare within the rituals and beliefs of the Tuvan people, both in maternal contexts and foreign enclaves, across historical and contemporary settings. It highlights the practice of ritualistic death imitation as a means to mislead malevolent spirits, emphasizing the threshold and door of the home as significant ritual spaces that symbolize the division between familiar and foreign realms. The primary objective of these rituals is to persuade evil spirits of the child's demise, thereby mitigating potential harm and redirecting malevolent influences.

The study underscores the enduring significance of beliefs and prohibitions aimed at safeguarding children from malevolent forces, including the evil eye and harm from outsiders. It also notes the role of maternal jewelry as protective amulets, which are believed to preserve the child's vitality. Furthermore, the research examines the cultural restrictions surrounding children's clothing and possessions, positing that excess in these areas may lead to future deficiencies, according to Tuvan mythological perspectives.

The article delineates both the commonalities and unique aspects of child protection within Tuvan rituals and beliefs, while also documenting the evolution of certain concepts and practices. The research draws upon published ethnographic data and new fieldwork conducted by the author in maternal contexts and foreign enclaves, with a chronological focus spanning from the late 20th century to the early 21st century.