Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor, Handicrafts Department, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
10.22077/jcrl.2026.9554.1217
Abstract
Chamchehlosi is a traditional doll in the cultural heritage of Behbahan, crafted from simple materials such as laundry sticks, old fabrics, or burlap. During droughts, girls carried the doll and sang songs mimicking the sound of rain to request help from the community. Part of the offerings was given to the needy, while the rest was symbolically offered to water along with the doll. This study investigates the social, cultural, and religious significance of the Chamchehlosi doll and its role in connecting humans, nature, and water resources. Using a descriptive-analytical approach combining documentary and field research, it addresses the question: “What spiritual relationship exists between water resources and the Chamchehlosi doll in rain-requesting rituals, and how have these beliefs influenced daily life in Behbahan?” Findings reveal that the rain-requesting ceremony centered on the Chamchehlosi doll represents a fusion of ancient, ritualistic, and religious beliefs with cultural and social practices. Rooted in agricultural traditions and the role of women, the ritual uses the doll and its offering to water to create a symbolic link with nature and supernatural forces. The doll embodies collective need and the plea for blessings, while associated practices, such as spinning it by girls or invoking sacred figures, reinforce social cohesion and community participation. This symbolic gift reflects femininity, fertility, and the life cycle. Unlike violent sacrificial rituals, Chamchehlosi exemplifies a peaceful interaction between humans, nature, and the divine, facilitating the communal aspiration for rainfall in a culturally meaningful way.
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