Językowo-kulturowy obraz wiatru w tradycji ludowej

Abstract

The paper presents linguistic image of the wind fixed in Polish dialects and folk culture. The collected material includes different meanings of the lexical item ‘the wind’ as well as its derivations and other names of the phenomenon (both modem and historical ones). Inserted folk believes concern physical grounds of the wind rise beginning with quasi-scientific theories through animization and personification of the phenomenon down to identifying the wind with demoniacal beings. Based on authority material presented in the paper also includes fixed in a language negative and positive influence of the wind on humans (their psycho-physical condition), their activities (like fishing, sailing, farm works) and environment (devastation in the environment), a set of rules, magic practices supposed to protect humans from the wind or just the opposite - use its power for particular purposes, a vocabulary pointing to employing practical defence against the wind. The latter part of the paper includes vocabulary, idioms and sayings that show physical and psychical human lives in categories typical for the wind.