Overcoming fear of the unknown in the life cycle rites of the Volga region peoples

The paper deals with the function of overcoming fear of the unknown in the life cycle rites of the Volga region peoples in the 20th - early 21st centuries. The case studies include the maternity, wedding, funeral and initiation rites of the inhabitants of the region. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that these rites are the necessary elements of the “vitality” of an individual and a whole ethnic group. The above-mentioned function had a powerful psychotherapeutic effect, prepared the rite performers for their new existence and supported the integrity of individual and collective (ethnic) consciousness. The research findings may be useful for devising cultural heritage programs in the Volga region, improving various specialized courses on cultural theory and history as well as for specialists in the field of ethnographic tourism and ritual services.