The Social Function of Bata Performance Rituals

Abstract

This article considers features of the giving bata blessing and will answer the following questions: What social and religious function carries the bata blessing? Who possesses the privilege to give the bata? Why people aspire to receive the bata? What is the role of a word in this speech action? And so on. Since many people take specific actions (or ask openly) to receive the bata blessing, this research investigates their past experiences and motivations. This article is based on the analyses of texts of the Kyrgyz epics and the materials of field work the author has completed.