kilökése

Kilökése is a term originating from Hungarian folklore and mythology, often translated as "the pushing out" or "the expulsion." It refers to a ritualistic practice where an individual, usually a young woman, was symbolically or physically removed from the community or a specific dwelling. This act was often carried out when a person was believed to be possessed by an evil spirit, had committed a severe transgression against social norms, or was seen as a threat to the well-being of the group.

The specifics of the kilökése ritual varied depending on the region and the perceived nature of the offense. It could involve a public ceremony where the individual was led to the outskirts of the village and instructed never to return, or it might be a more private affair involving the removal of personal belongings and a symbolic severing of ties. In some instances, the ritual was accompanied by specific incantations or actions designed to ward off the perceived negative influences associated with the expelled person.

The underlying belief was that by expelling the individual, the community could cleanse itself and restore balance. This practice was not necessarily intended as a permanent banishment in all cases, but rather a means of addressing a crisis and enforcing social order. The concept of kilökése highlights the historical anxieties surrounding purity, community cohesion, and the management of perceived threats in traditional societies. While the practice itself is largely obsolete, its echoes can be found in folklore and cautionary tales.