Klaipėdos universitetas

The article gives the description of spells pronounced during gathering the first berries that are based on wide range of field ethnographic data. The spells are classified according to their magic markers. The main features of using spells towards forest and domestic fruit, berries, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs etc. The usage of first fruit is investigated considering their regional and local features. The text reveals field data that show the major issues of this article. The main provisions of the article are illustrated with the materials collected in the course of ethnographical expeditions.

he article sheds light on the importance of Candlemas candle as a subject apotropei. The emphasis is laid on the magical actions related to the protection of an individual and the specific protection of the common living space (home, farmstead). The suggested conclusions concern apotropei functions of Candlemas candles and transformation of the symbolic forms of protection in the second half of the XX – early XXI cent. The main provisions of the article are illustrated with the materials collected in the course of ethnographical expeditions.