The ceremonial food of Khakasses (the end of XIX - XX centuries)

This publication is devoted to the matter of food in life-cycle rituals of Khakass mytho-ritual complex. Their ife conditions formed respectful and ritual treatment of meal. As one of the main elements of life support system the food was endowed with high semiotic status. There was not dichotomy of everyday and ceremonial. It took on the role of the important object in socio-normative culture. Food was key goods in gift exchange and sacrifice practices. As an intermediary between people and gods sometimes food became an object of special worship and was endow with magic properties.