Improvisation in Traditional Culture

Abstract

In this article, based on the author's field research, specific examples of improvisation in different areas of traditional culture are examined: calendar and family rituals as well as ornamentation of weaving products. The manifestations of improvisation in specific calendar holidays and rituals have been traced. These materials indicate that there is a common basis in ritual practices. The main ritual characters, attributes, and verbal accompaniment of ritual actions are distinguished by the relative stability of their image, structure, and functioning. At the same time, the content variability reflects innovations that are mainly the result of improvisations at the local level within a particular rural community or several neighboring villages