Greenery of Pentecost and Corpus Christi feasts in Lithuanian rural culture of first half of the 20th century

The article is based on the field research material, the work of ethnologists and data from the literature. It reveals the origins of the Pentecost and Corpus Christi feasts in historical perspective and their role in the Lithuanian rural culture in the first half of the 20th century. It is noted that the ecclesiastical nature of the Pentecost and the Corpus Christi celebration was determined by the Catholic liturgy with its traditions in the rural areas, manifesting in various forms of folk culture. For example, birch twigs used in the context of Pentecost and the Corpus Christi feast would become a ritual symbol in shepherdsʼ customs. Greenery, consecrated during the Pentecost and the Corpus Christi feasts, were important in folk rites and customs. The material presented in the article suggests that various consecrated greenery have often been used as inventory having a magical meaning. However, the interpretations of the same consecrated herbs were various in different regions, villages or individuals lives. Therefore, the study of the peculiarities and content of the Pentecost and the Corpus Christi feasts allowed to clarify the territorial peculiarities in Lithuania and to achieve their connections with similar Byelorussian ritual practices. It has been noticed that the use of birch twigs and consecrated greenery for magical purposes in the village existed in the form of specific actions and as a folk knowledge. This led to the content of the use of greenery in folk religiosity. The magical significance of sacred items was primarily attributed to the hope of receiving their assistance in various areas of people’s daily lives. Also, greenery was a folk tradition during religious festivals