“The fragrance of knowledge…”: the olfactory code in hymnography

Abstract

This work explores fragrant olfactory topoi in the hymns of Slavia Orthodoxa based on the material of Old Russian chants. Hymnography, which draws on the figurative language of the Bible and the patristic tradition, has developed specific patterns that are united by a shared semantic foundation, in particular, the modes of olfactory perception. An understanding of the figurative language and theological-doctrinal background of hymns is essential for inter preting their meaning. The proposed algorithm for identifying and analyzing conceptual meta phors in hymnography can serve as a tool for a more accurate interpretation of the exegetical metalanguage of liturgical chants. The study revealed a system of metaphorical images (olfactory code) that have specific meanings in Christian culture. Thus, “malicious” lexemes are associated with the concept of “evil” and the semantic field of “death”, while “fragrant” lexemes are associated with the con cept of “Good” and the semantic field of “eternal life”". Three lexical-semantic groups were iden tified among the olfactory topoi associated with the concept of “fragrance”. The first group, con ventionally called “the Garden of Eden”, represents “eternal life”. The second group, “Myrrh”, actualizes the concept of “grace”. The topoi of the third group, “Incense”, actualize the concept of “sacrifice”.