Folklore and Superstition

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 520.

Hierarchal Society

The Family

o The family forms the basic social structure in Azerbaijan.
o This goes back to many Azeris' history as rural dwellers where a clan (hoj) would share land and work together to form a tight circle.
o A hoj would sometimes consist of up to 40 members.
o Nowadays the family is a lot smaller - usually a married couple with children and possibly grandparents.
o Families still work as an interdependent unit andexpect to receive both financial and emotional support from others.
o Gender roles are still fairly traditional in much of Azerbaijan with the man being the bread-winner and woman taking care of the domestic side of things.

o Azeris are still a very hierarchical society.
o Culture, traditions, family and religious affiliation often take precedence over official laws.
o When the government has trouble resolving an issue, the president often appeals to the "agh sakkal" (prominent and respected people) to help find a solution. "Agh sakkal" means "white beard".

o Azeri culture, due to its rural roots and culturally rich tapestry, has many superstitions. Examples include:
- A cat crossing your path means bad luck in business.
- Salt accidentally spilled means you are about to quarrel. Sprinkle sugar on the salt to counter this.
- Leaving scissors with opened blades brings misfortune and even death.
- If you meet a person with empty buckets, you are bound for misfortune.
- If you meet a person with bread and full bags, you will have good luck.
- Never hurry to a funeral ceremony.
- Do not cross the way the funeral train goes.
- If the first person you meet on your way to work is male, you will have good luck.
- Do not lend money or bread at night.
- Throwing a bowl of water in the wake of a person who sets off for a business trip or long journey brings the person luck and helps them to return home safe and sound.