THE DEVIL IN THE CALENDAR AND RITUAL TRADITION OF TRANSCARPATHIAN DOLINIANS

The article is devoted to the analysis of the image of the devil as a demonological character in calendar and ritual tradition of Transcarpathian Dolinians. The research is based on unpublished field materials collected during ethnographic expeditions, as well as on the analysis of factual units of local, all-Ukrainian, and foreign origin. The text examines the features of the emergence of demonological beliefs associated with the image of the devil and their place within the traditional culture’s calendar cycle. This figure was known to the population under various names besides the term mentioned in the article’s title: devil, Lucifer, Satan, nechystyi, among others. Euphemisms and protective anthroponyms were actively used to guard against his influence. The study focuses on the characteristics of the devil as a demonological entity: visual features (zoomorphic details such as a hairy body, pig snout or dog muzzle, hooves, and a tail), transformational abilities (shape-shifting into a frog, cat, goat, or human), liminal localization (crossroads, cemeteries, forests, abandoned places), and interaction with humans (soul bargains, causing harm or performing useful functions) within the sacred-demonological periods of the calendar year. The article explores ritual and customary practices aimed at protecting against the influence of evil forces, including apotropaic means such as iron, consecrated objects, plant attributes, Christian rituals, and magical verbal formulas. Special attention is given to the exceptional nature of festive cycles (such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, and Ivan Kupala), as these were traditionally considered periods of heightened vulnerability to demonic interference. The study demonstrates that the Dolynians calendar rituality reflects archaic perceptions of the dynamics of interaction between this and another world. This research also traces the influence of pre-Christian beliefs and Christian doctrine on the development of calendar rituals and on the formation of folk demonology (lower mythology).