Macedonian Lifeworlds: From Mythic Landscape to the State

The book represents various segments of traditional and contemporary Macedonian culture. It features some unconventional approaches in the chapters on the south Slavic ?sacred landscape,? as reconstructed from toponyms, and witchcraft and magical practices. Some other issues are presented in a more ?traditional? way, which means that they are thoroughly descriptive in best ethnographic sense (i.e., the chapters about common law, folk costume, traditional healers, and tombstones/epitaphs). Some contemporary and complex socio-cultural topics are elaborated in the chapters on transition: religious symbols, radio program audiences, and the applicability of folk culture potentials within the context of cultural politics and management. So, it builds a bridge between an archaic consciousness based on oral tradition and the country?s present situation as a candidate for European Union membership. Our analysis should be helpful and useful for professionals in the humanities and social and political sciences, as well as others interested in learning more about the Macedonian people?s way of life and thinking.