The Dictionary of Lithuanian Nominal Phrases: Structure and Purpose

Šiame straipsnyje aprašomas pirmasis lietuvių kalbos daiktavardinių frazių žodynas, kurį sudaro stabiliai vartojami junginiai su daiktavardžiais, to žodyno sudarymo principai, paskirtis ir tolesni analizės etapai. Frazių žodynas sudarytas iš Vytauto Didžiojo universiteto Dabartinės lietuvių kalbos tekstyno (internetinis adresas: http://donelaitis.vdu.lt/tekstynas; šiuo metu jį sudaro 100 mln. žodžių). Nagrinėti sustabarėję junginiai yra kalbos koncentracija, pati reprezentatyviausia rašytinės kalbos dalis. Daiktavardinės frazės apima daug daugiau ir įvairesnės dabartinės kalbos vartosenos, nei kad aprašoma lietuvių kalbos gramatikose. Kol kas apsiribojama tik frazėmis, kurias sudaro bent vienas daiktavardis, bet iš jų išryškėja daugybė iki šiol nenustatytų ir neaprašytų sintaksinių bei semantinių kalbos modelių.The aim of this article is to discuss the symbolism of the hat (Lith. “kepurė”), which is one of the most vivid attributes in the songs about boys from the area around the Curonian Spit, and compare the data of sung folklore with ethnographical material about births, baptisms, the maturing of youth, weddings and other customs. Having analysed the most popular motifs of songs with this hat symbolism from the area around the Curonian Spit, one can distinguish the following meanings that are most characteristic for these songs: 1. A sign of maturity, and suitableness for marriage. 2. A sign of death. 3. A sign of matchmaking. 4. A sign of protection. 5. An innate sign of an older brother. 6. A sign of the male sex, respect and dignity. The meanings of this symbol listed are in one way or another linked with substantial or even critical moments in the life of a young man (or man). It is interesting, that the word “kepurė” not only means a cover for your head, but the top of a beehive or well, or the wreath decorating the front of a house. The Lithuanian verb “kepurėti” (“to put on a hat”) does not only mean to put on a hat, but also to finish something that has been started. In summary, the hat as a symbol (as the head wreaths of rue for a bride) in the folk songs of the area around the Curonian Spit preserved its older ritualistic meaning, which is verified in customs of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, while later it lost its sacredness, though elements can still be found in today‘s customs and magic of births, baptisms and weddings