Symbolic Perception in Kazakh Mythology

Abstract

Symbol is a very ancient phenomenon as a constitute part of mythology. This paper highlights the issues of contemporary symbols connected with the national culture. The overview of different scholars’ researches allows to identify the connection between mythology and symbols in other words and the symbolic perception of the world. The nature of the symbol is stable and kernel idea of symbols is transferred from generation to generation. Most of mythological heroes are described as symbols and nowadays they can have an influence on people’s mentality and feelings. Among the Kazakh cultural symbols animalistic ones and symbols of flora, such as baiterek are presented vividly. The reconstruction of their cultural meanings highlights mythological understanding of the world. At the contemporary level of cultural development it is still possible to trace some of them.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s2p145