Spring Celebration, Hidrellez: Myth and Play
LEISURE SCIENCES, vol.43, no.6, pp.593-605, 2021 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 43 Issue: 6
- Publication Date: 2021
- Doi Number: 10.1080/01490400.2020.1870593
- Journal Name: LEISURE SCIENCES
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, PAIS International, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Sociological abstracts, SportDiscus, Veterinary Science Database
- Page Numbers: pp.593-605
- Keywords: Identity, myth, play, play communities, spring celebration
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Myths are symbolic structures that influence the way meanings are created and the social world is interpreted. This study aims to understand how myths are sustained by play and focuses on the example of a seasonal ritual, namely Hidrellez spring celebration, in Turkey. Hidrellez celebration is a leisure activity characterized by festive events, rituals, and social practices. It also relates to human knowledge and practice concerning nature and the universe. The study adopts a qualitative research design based on interviews, as this is an exploratory study. The findings reveal that plays contributes to the continuation of myths via performances, leisure communities, embodiment, and fun. However, it is also evident that the sacred rituals of Hidrellez are being commodified by the entertainment businesses in urban settings.