Why are there spots on the Moon? – On the issue of the astronomical codes of the Udmurt people

Introduction. The term tolëz ‘moon' is one of the key elements in the cosmological system of the Udmurt people. However, there is a lack of sufficient scholarly work in the literature addressing the specifics of the functioning of this semiotic sign. The aim of this study is to identify the conventional and unconventional characteristics of the cultural code of tolëz (‘moon/month') in both traditional and contemporary Udmurt culture.