SWORN VIRGINS OF THE BALKAN HIGHLANDS

Marija Brujic, Vladimir Krstic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Once widely spread in the Dinaric Mountains part of the Balkan Peninsula swearing to virginity was a social and cultural custom recorded among all groups inhabiting the area. In the absence of a capable adult man in the household, a daughter would take over his social role by 'becoming' a man. The standard explanation is that the function of this practice is enabling the continuation of the household's economic, social, and religious activities. We argue that this explanation fails. A better explanation is that, because the lack of a particular kind of a man (competent and honourable) was perceived as a shame in these societies, the primary reason for swearing to virginity was saving family honour.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)113-130
Number of pages18
JournalTraditiones
Volume50
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Honour
  • Social anomaly
  • Sworn virgins
  • Traditional ritual
  • Western Balkans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Music

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