Symbolism and ethical values in the practices of the revived Burkhanism

In the early 2000s, in the Altai Republic becomes known the movement of «Ak-jan,» which was inherited from the «old» Burkhanism. The tradition of setting sanctuaries «kyree» on a hill on the east side of the village has revived. It is usually visited twice a year (at the New Moon in May and September) to perform a public prayer «myrgyyl» under the name of «Altai kodyrgeni» (Rise of the deity of Altai). The intention is to worship the deity of the Altai as a sung «defender» of the past, present and future, on which people depend. Blurring the distinction between Burkhanism and shamanism led to a generalized belief named «Altai-jan» (Altai faith). Nevertheless, Burkhanist settings (worship of the hearth, the mountains, sprinkling milk, tying of ribbons etc.) continued to remain in Altai intraethnic life, curled up to etiquette requirements and values. New Burkhanism has the clergy, «Nemea Beeler Kizhi» (something knowledgeable) jarlykchy (preacher), kama (shamans).The «new» Burkhanism formed new religious practices, where the actor has become a man the head of the sanctuary. This is usually a middle-aged, married man, who has acquired the reputation among his villagers. In modern conditions, the role of head of the sanctuary «kyree» has acquired a more institutional sense, than ritual. One of the symbols is the new followers' Burkhanism holiday «Jan-ar.» In the «new» Burkhanism publications of Content Works by clairvoyants (DC Erehonovoy, ZT Tyrysovoy), called «Sudur» is a common practice. Another character was formed in the 1990s «kyira», which consists of two white bands (or a combination of a yellow and blue ones), and which can be seen throughout most of the Altai Republic.Revived Burkhanism is a mixture of «old» Burkhanism and shamanic beliefs, where the first position is occupied by Burkhanist veneration of «heavenly», the understanding of its priority. In the traditional view of the world an important place is taken by Altai Burkhanist symbolism of time and space, color (light color) and the number (even number). Among the Altai it is believed that he who lives by the Burkhanist canons and observes the ritual symbolism of approved Burkhanism is ethnically held and is one of the «true» Altai, called «su Altai.»If we compare the «old» Burkhanism with the «renewed», we will notice the lack of birches at the sanctuary tagylov «kyree.» As if to replace them, a new symbol the fourth color, green cloth «banner», called «maany», along with white, yellow and blue, collapsing on a pole «syme.» Green didn't appear in the revival Burkhanism accidentally, it symbolises pressing environmental problems. It is nessessary to save the Altai from space «raketopad» (falls of space rackets) and under the condition of developing tourist industry in the region.

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