article

Watch out for snakes!: ethnosemantic misinterpretations and interpretation of a Serbian healing charm

Anthropological linguistics • 25 (3) • Published In 1983 • Pages: 309-325

By: Halpern, Barbara.

Abstract

A Serbian charm to heal snake bite is the focus of this article, discussed '…in the context of oral tradition, patterns of transmission of the charm, text misinterpretation, symbolism, and accurate interpretation' (p. 309). Although superficially the charm and its analysis appear straightforward, the author's ethnosemantic analysis would seem to negate previous simplistic interpretations. In the course of working toward the interpretation presented in this document, Halpern explores various aspects of the economy, indicating in the process the elegance of the folk genre, as well as new insights in the persistence of a mythic theme in contemporary rural life.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

Europe

Sub Region

Southeastern Europe

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1996

Field Date

1950s-1980s

Coverage Date

1950s-1980s

Coverage Place

Orasac Village, Serbia and Montenegro

Notes

Barbara Kerewskiy-Halpern

LCCN

sn78000512

LCSH

Serbs