The article analyzes the place of songs and music in the ritual of first placing a newborn in the cradle, practiced by the inhabitants of the upper reaches of Zeravshan. It is noted that many scientists have expressed their views on the methods of conducting “gahvorabandon” ritual (the first placement of a newborn in the cradle), which relates to family and household traditions. However, scientific works do not pay due attention to its musical aspects and the characteristics of the songs used in the ritual being studied. During expeditions to the upper reaches of Zeravshan, various variants of lullaby rituals were recorded, which are widely used in this work. It is noted that in the not so distant past, music and songs occupied a stable place in “Gahvorabandon” ritual, carried out by all residents accross upper Zarafshan river, and today under new family and economic conditions, they are losing their former meaning in some villages.
musicalculture, people’s rituals, ritual “gahvorabandon”, songs and music, family economic traditions, upper reaches of Zeravshan
1. Peshereva E.M. Yaghnob Ethnographical Materials / Е. М. Peshereva. – Dushanbe: Donish, 1976. – 99 pp.
2. Z. Tojikova, B. Shermuhammadov. Alla /Tajik National Encyclopedia volume I (А – Base). – Dushanbe: scientific editor-in-chief of Tajik national encyclopedia, 2011.– 608 pp. (with pictures). – PP.319-320
3. Karimzoda Muhammadlatif. AVillage in a White Valley. – Dushanbe: Devashtich, 2006. − 200 pp.
4. Mardonova А. Lullaby Rituals “gahvorabandon” of Tajik People of Upper Reaches Zeravshan and Hissar Valley / А. Mardonova // Modern and Traditional Tajik Family Life (collection of articles). – Dushanbe: Donish, 1991.− 132 pp.
5. Nazar, Saidmirzo (Isfandiyor).With the Dialect of darghi: shahbarun, book of dialects, proverbs and irony… ( research thesis)–Dushanbe:Irfon, 2009.−48 pp.
6. Modern of Folklore of Rudaki’s Place Editors: Rajab Amonov, Muhammadjon Shukurov. –Dushanbe: State Publishing House of Tajikistan, 1963. −222 pp.
7. Nizomov A. Sufizm in the Context of Musical Culture of Central Asia People / А. Nizomov. – Dushanbe, 2000. – 286 pp.
8. Rahimov, D. Gahvorabandon // Tajik Modern Culture Encyclopedia / editor-in-chief N.Amirshohi. – Dushanbe:MSEO TNE. – 2015, v.1. – PP. 206.
9. Kholmurodov Z., Karimova G. Gahvorabandon Ritual in Current Condition/ Z. Kholmurodov, G. Karimova // Cultural Bulletin.- 2017.- №2 (38). - PP. 56-63.
10.Jumaev Rustam. Birth and Growing up Children among Tajik People of Mountainious Zarafshan t materials of the end of ХI- ХХ cc).−Dushanbe: Er-Graph, 2012.−142 pp.