Songs and the cult of fire on the summer day in Opoja

Abstract

This study analyzes two key elements of the summer day (Verza Day) festival in Opoja: song and the cult of fire. The Verza festival, held annually on March 13th in this region of the Sharri municipality, represents a rich cultural heritage with ancient historical roots. Songs and rituals related to fire have played a fundamental role in the spiritual experience of the community, representing early forms of communication with nature and supernatural forces. In this paper, song is examined as an artistic creation of oral literature with a distinct function. Through analysis, the artistic and cultural values embedded in these songs are highlighted. The ritual of singing is intertwined with specific symbolic actions, which contribute to maintaining spiritual and social balance within the community. On the other hand, this study explores the cult of fire as a widespread phenomenon in Albanian folk culture. In the context of Dita e Verzës, fire symbolizes purification, renewal, and protection from evil. Practices such as lighting bonfires and jumping over flames are interpreted as expressions of the inhabitants' belief in the transformative power of this natural element. By employing an ethno-psychological and historical approach, this study aims to provide a broader and deeper understanding of these rituals and their role in the cultural identity of Opoja. The preservation and documentation of these traditions remain essential to ensuring their continuity for future generations as part of historical memory.