Semantics of the phytonym sugon (onion) in Udmurt song folklore

A vegetable garden has been an indispensable feature of the traditional Udmurt household. The cultivation of crops and fruits in this area forms an integral part of the daily existence of a community, symbolizing established social structures. Garden produce is entirely allocated to household consumption. In addition to their nutritional value, garden plants are essential in observance of calendar and family traditions. These elements are manifest in Udmurt folklore, serving as expressions of individual emotional states. The phytonym sugon (onion) is most frequently used in ritual or non-ritual songs. This paper aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the image of this phytonym in the context of song genre and local traditions: Siberian, peripheral-southern, and autochthonous. The symbolism of sugon in Udmurt culture varies depending on the song genre. In recruitment songs, sugon embodies youthful vigor and physical prowess, representing a slender physique and boundless energy while simultaneously conveying the sorrow of parting. In calendar and non-ritual lyrics, sugon emphasizes the transience of life and youth. Its flavor is vividly portrayed in guest tunes. Sugon is most commonly found in autochthonous and geographically similar southern Udmurt traditions. However, it is rarely found in Siberian and indigenous northern Udmurt cultures. A detailed exploration of Udmurt folklore exposes the profound importance of the onion as a fundamental aspect of the Udmurt belief system. Its symbolic importance within this culture underscores the depth and richness of Udmurt ethnographic heritage

Biology · Folklore · Indigenous · Linguistics · Programming language · Sociology · Anthropology · Computer Science · Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies · History · Linguistics and language evolution · Philosophy · Ecology