Mythical Perceptions on Clothing Historically and Nowadays / Mītiskie priekšstati par apģērbu senāk un tagad

Summary: 

Latvian folklore materials contain a huge number of archaic and pre-Christian

perceptions, beliefs and evidence of peasants’ social and everyday life. Combining these

data with history of clothing and footwear allows understanding the long-forgotten

symbolism of things.

The article reveals the symbolic meaning of pieces of clothing and footwear and

examines how people used to empower things by connecting them to their wearers. It

looks at how people believed they could affect others or take over some of their abilities

by using their garments. The role of clothing and footwear as “the second skin” of their

wearer is discussed. The author reveals symbolism of every particular garment, as well as

general powerful perceptions connected to people’s dress.

Latvian folklore material, such as folk beliefs, folk songs, sayings, tales, and magic

formulas are used in the research.

It is concluded that in earlier centuries things used to have more functions and

meanings than simply the practical one.

The second part of the article reveals the results of 52 interviews regarding knowledge

and usage of mythological perceptions in the daily life of Latvian women. In 2012 women

were interviewed about the folk beliefs involving pieces of clothing and footwear. According

to the results, only 12 women do not believe in any of the folk beliefs; however all of them

knew at least some of such beliefs. The other 40 admitted that they practiced some of

the activities recommended by the folk beliefs in their everyday life. Although the overall

knowledge and usage of the archaic perceptions and practices tend to decline, the still

persisting number and awareness of folk beliefs can help understand and estimate their

significance in earlier centuries.