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прескочи

English translation: jump/leap over

11:05 Sep 5, 2014
Serbian to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature
Serbian term or phrase: прескочи
I'm working on an academic article about traditions surrounding the badnjak/sacred trees in Serbia, and the first four lines of the verse below are quoted in it.

I'm wondering how best to interpret/translate "прескочи" in this context.

"Док бадњак гори,
Урок урочицу кори:
„Што урочи па разрочи,
Па прескочи!“
Док бадњак гори,
Урочица урока кори:
„Тојага ти од курац,
Од пичку ти гуњац.
Ја сам урочила,
Па сам прескочила;
Ти урочи, па прескочи!“
(Златановић 1994, бр.594: 281)
Alison Kapor (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:48
English translation:jump/leap over
Explanation:
Hope I am not stating (missing) the obvious - this is a reference to the fact that according to superstition you should not jump over the badnjak in any way, lest misfortune befall you.
Selected response from:

Mark Daniels
Local time: 11:48
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +1jump/leap over
Mark Daniels


  

Answers


10 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
jump/leap over


Explanation:
Hope I am not stating (missing) the obvious - this is a reference to the fact that according to superstition you should not jump over the badnjak in any way, lest misfortune befall you.

Example sentence(s):
  • "The badnjak should not be jumped over or trodden upon, and blowing on its fire is avoided." (Source: Wikipedia, see below)

    Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badnjak_(Serbian)#Bringing_in_a...
Mark Daniels
Local time: 11:48
Meets criteria
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks! That's really helpful.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Daryo: I can't see any other possible unusual/hidden meaning to "прескочити"
12 hrs
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