Abstract: Greek Cypriot folk songs belong to the Greek world’s artistic expression. Among them, the religious songs may be highlighted because of their cultural interest. Certainly, the different versions of Saint Lazarus’ song narrate the complete tale of this saint that is, what is said in the canonical text and what has been traditionally transmitted in Cyprus. They are related to the Holy Bible and contain diverse cultural elements. Thus, here the intertextuality between the referred texts and the cultural elements are studied. On the one hand, the poems are directly connected with the Book of Psalms, the Gospels and the Apocalypse. Different biblical events and characters (i.e. Lazarus of Bethany, Marta, Maria, Thomas the Apostle, Jesus, King David, Adam, the Virgin Mary and Saint Michael Archangel) can be identified, although there are differences between the source texts and the poems. On the other hand, the fact that the poem’s versions were originated in different Cypriot geographical points have several significances, and we can distinguish references to other traditions and texts thanks to the used vocabulary in the poems. Consequently, we observe the meanings of Saint Lazarus’ song for the Greek Cypriot culture.

Authors: Martín Vico, Ana María

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2020.13.2.35-42

Publication order reference: Ana María Martín Vico; University of Granada; Centre of Byzantine, Modern Greek and Cypriot Studies; C/Gran Vía 9 – 2ª, 18001 Granada, Spain; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2020, vol.: 13, issue: 2, pages: 35-42 (PDF file)

Keywords: SAINT LAZARUS, CYPRIOT FOLK SONGS, CYPRUS, INTERTEXTUALITY, HOLY BIBLE, CULTURAL ASPECTS, CULTUREMES

Language: ENGLISH