"Reik su grybais mokėti draugaut. Su mišku iš tikrųjų." Žvilgsnis į gyvąją lietuvių grybavimo tradiciją

ENThis article explores ethnomycological expeditions across different Lithuanian regions during 2022-2023. It shows that Lithuanians still passionately collect mushrooms, identify many varieties, and have inherited this knowledge mainly from parents and grandparents rather than books or media. Most mushroom pickers stick to familiar species for food and rarely try new ones. Occasionally, mushrooms are used for healing or household purposes. The types of mushrooms gathered differ according to the dominant forests in each area. In Lithuania, mythic imagery and beliefs about mushroom-picking skills and luck remain strong, reflecting a respectful relationship with the forest and nature. The oldest traces of mythical thinking are found in southern (Dzūkija) and eastern Lithuania (Aukštaitija). Such beliefs are less common elsewhere, but a widespread idea persists that once a mushroom is seen, it stops growing.