Polish ethno-confessional symbols in Southeast Lithuania: the end of the 20th - the beginning of the 21st century

Autor: Mardosa, Jonas
Jazyk: litevština
Rok vydání: 2019
Předmět:
Zdroj: E. Usačiovaitė (Ed.) Simbolis Lietuvos kultūroje / sudarytoja Elvyra Usačiovaitė Vilnius : Lietuvos kultūros tyrimų institutas, 2019. P. 97-122.
Popis: Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Lietuvos etnologijoje mažai tyrinėta svarbi Pietryčių Lietuvos lenkų etninių tradicijų palaikymui ir tapatumo formavimui tema, lenkų etnokonfesiniai simboliai XX a. pabaigoje - XXI a. pradžioje. Dauguma tyrimui pasirinktų simbolių yra susiję su įvairiomis liaudiško religingumo formomis ir praktikomis. Nagrinėjamas vestuvinis nuotakos vainikėlis ir jo pynimui naudojamos žaliavos klausimai, Vilniaus krašto simboliu tapę dirbtinės Vilniaus verbos, velykiniai apeiginiai patiekalai ir Žolinės puokščių komponavimo specifiškumas. Tyrimų metu nustatyta, kad didesnis lenkų nei kitų greta gyvenančių etninių grupių religingumo laipsnis, kartu su etnokonfesiniais simboliais yra svarbus Pietryčių Lietuvos lenkų tapatybę formuojantis veiksnys. Based on the fieldwork data and published sources, the article addresses the ethno-confessional Polish symbols in southeast Lithuania at the end of the 20th - the beginning of the 21st century. The article also discusses the influence of the symbol on the development of the ethno-confessional identity of Poles in southeast Lithuania. The analysis of a bridal cornet in wedding customs and ceremonies shows that in southeast Lithuania the traditions of using the symbol in Polish weddings are intertwined with the customs characteristic of other regions of Lithuania and the neighbouring countries. Making a cornet from myrtle sprays is a prevailing and marked trend at Polish wedding in southeast Lithuania. Lithuanians use rues for making a cornet. A symbolic meaning is attached to the cornet in a wedding ceremony and during a wedding party. Apart from the symbolic meaning certain magic and curative qualities are attached to the sanctified cornet. It is concluded that distinguished traditions of using material for making a Polish wedding cornet in southeast Lithuania are developing. Therefore through this symbol it is sought to highlight the ethno-cultural distinction of the population of southeast Lithuania during a wedding. Among various types of "verba" (palm) Vilnius "verba" is an exceptional one. This type of "verba" is made from dry plants and is a product of folk art; however, it becomes a religious symbol on Palm Sunday as it used to be in the context of its origin. The "Vilnius verba" first appeared in the middle of 19th century in the environs of Vilnius. Originally these "verba" were associated with Polish religious and folk culture of southeast Lithuania. In the second half of 20th century Vilnius verba were already are strongly linked to Lithuanian and Polish folk and religious cultures of the Vilnius region. In Poland and partially in Belarus this symbol emphasised the Polish identity. Thus, at the beginning of the 21st century Vilnius verba is a unique symbol of Lithuanian and Polish folk religion, folk culture and ethnic identity. The analysis of Easter dishes and their symbolism begins with the dishes that contain dairy products. Poles also have specific ritual dishes made of dairy products, a cottage cheese cake known as Paskha being the most important among them. This ritual dish of Lithuanian Poles has a direct link with the Slavic Easter culture. Also, according to the data of fieldwork, a homemade cake - "Kulich" - is more often found among the Poles in Lithuania who reside on the border with Belarus. "Kulich" is linked to the cake of the same type, known as "Boba", which used to be and is still made in Lithuania. Poles also have several examples of festive pork dishes typical of them. Apart from usual smoked ham prepared in a variety of ways, Lithuanian Poles used to smoke or roast a pig on this occasion as a symbol of the ethno confessional identity of Poles in southeast Lithuania. Deeply rooted in the church practice, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has retained its liturgical part encompassing the tradition of consecrating the greenery. The majority of urban residents do not make bunches by themselves; they buy them outside the church. The Polish tradition of consecrating greenery supplemented with fruit and vegetables is considered exceptional. The believers regard 15 August as a religious feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with its own liturgy and symbols. The majority of residents of southeast Lithuania treat the consecration of a bunch of greenery in performing church rituals as a festive symbol derived from the context of folk piety. Thus, the present article specifies that using the ethno confessional symbols the Poles of southeast Lithuania seek to highlight the ethnic identity of the population of that part of Lithuania.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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