1. Dr. E. Karpodini-Dimitriadi, Lubaczow, 17th of May 2008
Rural heritage and collective identity Building the sustainability of rural communities Research outline Theme 3
Dr. E. Karpodini-Dimitriadi,
Lubaczow, 17th of May 2008

2. PART I Historical and cultural background
Core concepts: Culture, Cultural identity and Cultural heritage
SLIDE 2
The research consists of three sections
Part one focuses on core concepts which are: culture and cultural identity, how the latter is build, which are its main features and expressions and how they reflect aspects of social and community life.
In light of this an effort has been made to identify in all events – customs, rituals, celebrations- the common issues and to interpret them in an endeavour to understand culture identity and the link with the modern life.
Therefore they have been selected those customs that are the most eloquent expression of memory but also have a continuity in the passage of time, especially from rural communities of Northern Greece, which customs that date back to antiquity and reveal a rich heritage and multifaceted and multileveled identities: cultural, religious, linguistic and gender. Therefore the main aim is not to describe and present but mostly to understand and interpret.
The second part is dedicated to the presentation of the characteristics examples serving the above main aim.
the text is concluding with some general remarks and observations related to sustainable development of rural areas

3. Research main units Introduction PART I II. ECSTATIC RITUALS
1. Historical and cultural back ground
2. Core concepts: Culture, Cultural Identity and Cultural Heritage
PART II
I. APOTROPAIC AND PROTECTIVE RITES
DISGUISES AND MASQUERADES
1. During the Carnival period (Apokries)
The masquerades in Naoussa
The masquerades on Skyros
The masquerades at Sohos
2. During The Twelve Days (Dodekaimero)
II. ECSTATIC RITUALS
III. SYMBOLISMS OF FERTILITY AND REBIRTH OF NATURE
EASTER CELEBRATIONS
From Lazarus Saturday to Easter Sunday
Easter symbols
Customs of Easter Week
HARVEST AND SOWING RITES
IV RITES OF PASSAGE
Summer solstices’ fires and future predictions
Marriage rituals
PART III
RURAL COMMUNITIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

4. APOTROPAIC AND PROTECTIVE RITES
PART II
APOTROPAIC AND PROTECTIVE RITES
- Disguises and masquerades
- Christmas rites
- Symbolic acts related to gender
Following the above from the vast number of customs they have been selected depict the multifaceted and multilevel cultural identity of the rural areas, with a plurality of mutually interdependent signs and symbols that guide and regulate the social practices of every day life..
At all events – customs, rituals, celebrations- there is a common issue to be identified that of cooperation and mutual understanding. The ritual practices happening in the occasion of different cultural manifestations are an opportunity for the community or the participating social group to express the collective memory and collective cultural identity. It is also a way to develop a broader communication not only among the members of the community but also with “outsiders” –observers, spectators, guests.

5. DRAMA

6. ECSTATIC RITUALS
Anastenaria

7. PART II 3. SYMBOLISMS OF FERTILITY AND THE REBIRTH OF NATURE
- Easter celebrations
- Harvest and sowing rites
4. RITES OF PASSAGE
-Summers solstices fires and future predictions
- Marriage rituals
SLIDE 2
The research consists of three sections
Part one focuses on core concepts which are: culture and cultural identity, how the latter is build, which are its main features and expressions and how they reflect aspects of social and community life.
In light of this an effort has been made to identify in all events – customs, rituals, celebrations- the common issues and to interpret them in an endeavour to understand culture identity and the link with the modern life.
Therefore they have been selected those customs that are the most eloquent expression of memory but also have a continuity in the passage of time, especially from rural communities of Northern Greece, which customs that date back to antiquity and reveal a rich heritage and multifaceted and multileveled identities: cultural, religious, linguistic and gender. Therefore the main aim is not to describe and present but mostly to understand and interpret.
The second part is dedicated to the presentation of the characteristics examples serving the above main aim.
the text is concluding with some general remarks and observations related to sustainable development of rural areas

8. Original Character & mission Current form
Main elements
Symbols & signs
Symbolic actions
Original Character & mission
Current form
For each custom there is a short description of the main elements, its main symbols and signs of expression, the meaning of symbolic actions taking place as well as the original character and mission which in the most cases was to secure good fortune and fertility, a good harvest and a good year.
Whenever possible, additional explanations are included related to the recreational character of a ritual. Gradually, the original elements were forgotten and the festivities assumed a purely. The retention of the custom cannot be accounted for on recreational ground alone however. These is also the need to let down one’s hair and relax and of course the need to preserve the traditions. At the same time, recreational needs are always present, in the broader sense of change, transformation and deeper socio-political reasons for liberation and relaxation, in order to avoid dangerous social tensions and explosions.
Disguises are obtaining a big part of the research. This happens due to their endurance illustrating the long tradition linked with the deeply rooted will of the people to secure good fortune; it is also closely connected with the social and economic structures of particular areas, which have also determined the character of the rituals.
Symbols and signs used - such as goat skins, masks and headdresses, phallic symbols and the enactment of weddings, jokes and the other features- that constitute the main elements of the carnivals described in the research all point to primitive socio-religious idea that forms the kernel of many rural rituals” and prove their relation to past times and antiquity. They are also a common feature of our European cultural identity because they are found spread in the whole continent.
Rituals and mimic actions also related with the fertility of land and people are presented, such as the day of midwife, while the last part of this section is dedicated to rites of passage, e.g. summer solstices’ fire and marriage rituals.
Easter celebrations, especially symbols and rites will be also included.
The last section of the research concentrates on the interpretation of all rituals trying to show their contribution not only to the construction of cultural identity but mostly how these rituals are an integral part of cultural heritage.
The past decades have bore witnesses to various efforts for the protection of cultural heritage, while its potential has been exploited as a factor of development. The last years a number of traditional buildings have been restored, renovated and used. Local traditions, rural rituals and values brought into front, while arts and related activities are seen as a means of empowerment of local people. Thus, culture is seen as a constitutive part of sustainable development. However it has to be noted that sustainable development can not achieved if the various values do not remain as the major link between collective identity and the actions of the respective communities.

9. Interpretation Tradition & modernity Empowerment PART III
RURAL COMMUNITIES & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Interpreting rituals and cultural traditions
Interpretation
Tradition & modernity
Empowerment