"White" dairy food in the Altai ritual tradition

Enchinov Erkin Valeryevich

The article discusses the features of the use of dairy products in the rituals of the Altaians. The basis of nutrition in the Altai culture was dairy, meat and vegetable food. Dairy products in the course of historical development have absorbed a high semantic status, so they are classified as «white» food. They symbolize the purity of thoughts and intentions. In rituals and rituals, fresh milk, sour and unleavened cheese, and different types of cottage cheese are used as offerings. At the beginning of the XXI century. dairy products have become an obligatory part of the set of offerings in the calendar rites of the Altaians.

Keywords:Altaians, ethnography, traditions, custom, ritual, milk, cheese, cultured milk foods.