Paper short abstract

This paper investigates the rediscovering of old ritual sites as well as the creation of new ones. It is based on ritual year celebrations in three locations, demonstrating different explanations, emotions and values.

Paper long abstract

Referring to Rodmann's theory concerning socially constructed places and the ritual theory of McCauley, etc., I will be examining the late twentieth-century rediscovery of old ritual sites and sacred locations as well as the creation of new ones. New ritual sites have been created based on historical sources, the locations chosen near historical and archaeological memorials or natural holy sites, places related to churches and abbeys. The locations are often suggested by a medium, but could also simply hold personal appeal. The rites and the places where they are conducted are attributed emotional value by the rites' participants, neighbours, and ethnographers/folklorists. This paper (connected with project ESF 8137) is based on ritual year celebrations in three locations and the answers to a questionnaire.