Vainiko simbolika baltų kultūroje

ENThe symbol of the wreath is highly common in Lithuanian folklore The meaning of the word „wreath“ corresponds to the word ,,skais- b" (chaste). Nowadays, it is admitted that these words and symbols imply the notions of morality and virginity. However, the present meaning of the symbol is different from the original one. In the archaic world outlook the world was conceived as alive and it was assumed that the human being was responsible for the survival and continuity of this world. The word „skaista“ (chaste) includes the idea of the culmination of life, therefore, originally it could have meant „bright“, „growing“, „nice“, „honest“. The Lithuanian language had no verbal equivalents for the Chris tian notion of „chastity“. The Polish term „čystata“ was used in Lithuanian texts and writings. Later, this barbarism was replaced by the word „skaista“ (chaste) that implied a new connotation. The variety of the ritual functions of the wreath is notable in Lithuanian ethnographic customs and traditions. The word „wreath" assumes the culmination of life and world order. At the dawn of the Middle Ages the wreath was considered by the church to be obscene and erotic, however, later, the religious sense of chastity was attributed to the symbol. The original meaning of the word „skaista“ (chastity) and symbol „wreath“ can be found in Lithuanian folk songs. It implies life, the communion of nature and the human being.