Paper Short Abstract:

This paper explores the dynamic relationship between religion and play in Slavic Native Faith, where play is an integral part of ritual practice. Drawing on ethnographic research, it examines how bodily engagement blurs the distinction between play and religious ritual.

Paper Abstract:

This paper explores practices relating to pre-Christian times among members of contemporary religious groups. While historical reconstruction undoubtedly falls into the category of play, in the case of Slavic Native Faith, play goes beyond an attempt to recreate the past. It is considered one of the codified elements of religious ritual, which is reflected in both practice and the understanding of play. Drawing on ethnographic research in Poland, this paper presents a diverse range of activities, including feasts, joint singing, wrestling and tug-of-war, workshops where ritual objects are crafted, such as masks for Forefathers' Eve, or garlands for Kupala Night. The question is how to describe the relationship between religious practice and play among the believers, and how they themselves perceive this interplay. Religion constructs the body in play and the activities undertaken by the participants have a specific ritual purpose. Elements of play and ritual frequently overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Following the body and focusing on the body during play reveals this fluid and ambiguous boundary, particularly when the bodies of the participants are “shared with the gods”. At the same time these activities follow structured rules and take place in a playful atmosphere. Furthermore, these practices reflect historical notions while adapting to the contemporary needs of Slavic Native Faith believers. Play within religious practice also functions as a form of embodied training, fostering friendly competition, connection with nature, and relationship-building within the group.