What we call fantastic, one of the dimensions of the supernatural, is, in turn, understood as one of the forms of the real by the indigenous people. This study sought to document the rich culture of the fantastic entities of indigenous populations from different regions of the Amazon, from which folkloric and demonic beliefs often emerge. The purpose of this article is to expand and develop an understanding of an aesthetic, semiotic, metaphorical, and symbolic order of the indigenous culture of the Amazon, through sensitivity, ecological awareness, and respect for the culture and history of these traditional peoples. The method of this study aligns with the Indigenous worldview, and respect, and upholds its relational significance. It transcribes lived and presented cultural experiences with a rich use of metaphors, stories, and symbols, of sound and visual features and landscapes as an experience of living space, exploring the environmental, mythical, and spiritual dimensions of indigenous peoples.
The aim of the paper is to present Saint Catharine of Alexandria and Saint Andrew in the context of country-folk religiosity and traditions. Memorials of these two Saints in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church fall at the end of liturgical year and the beginning of Advent. The Feasts of these two Saints also became the focal point of pre-Christian folk customs and beliefs pertaining mostly to matrimonial fortune-telling along with some magical accents. The vigil of the Feast of Saint Andrew was devoted to matrimonial predictions of young girls, whereas, the vigil of Saint Catharine's Feast Day was related to the same for young men. The author used ethnographic data gathered during field work conducted in the Opoczno region in the years 1990-1993, and in the Opoczno and Radom regions of Poland in the years 1995-2005. The first section contains a short biography of Saint Catharine, further broadened by description of her role in county-folk customs and traditions. In the second section, Saint Andrew was introduced in similar manner. The Feasts of these two Saints are interwoven with a wealth of folk beliefs in supernatural beings both good and malicious, which are believed to dwell on earth and affect human life. Under the influence of Christianity these two Saints have been drawn into the circle of folk beliefs, with some reference to pre-Christian cults. In present day Polish folk culture not much is left of those old beliefs and customs, and Saint Catharine and Saint Andrew are merely perceived as Patron Saints of pre-marital chastity and specific professions. The example set by these and other Saints is relevant to the lives of the contemporary faithful thought, since it shows how one can boldly follow Christ and preach the Gospel.
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