Importance of Oral Ritual Calendric Poetry

Abstract

Calendric lyric poetry as a folk tradition plays an important role in ethnic cultures. It is an area where cultural researchers, anthropologist and sociologists find answers to a lot of questions. Oral folk tradition in general and calendric lyric poetry therein is rich in their content, history and variety. This paper will present the importance of oral calendric lyric poetry and its relevance regarding the acquaintance and comprehension of ethnic culture. The paper will reveal the connection of old tradition to later religious festivities as well as their connection with ethnic history and culture. Ritual songs are the most common songs of the oral poetry. We find them in different cultures and are considered the oldest type of oral literature. Ritual songs accompanied seasonal changes and can be classified as winter, spring, and summer songs. As an example, winter songs (calendric songs New Year’s songs) were sung toward the end of December and beginning of January in celebration of the sun’s return from its southern solstitial point. Charming style and content of these archaic songs lie in the reflection of an ancient culture in the form of primordial concepts, beliefs, and feelings. This paper will equally present the importance of oral calendric lyric poetry in Albanian culture as well as its relevance, meaning and preservation up to modern times.