Abstract
The paper deals with symbolization of nature focusing the evaluative characteristics of natural phenomena in utilitarian, ethical and aesthetic dimensions. From a utilitarian point of view the following ideas come to the fore: physical properties (size, temperature, ingredients, etc.), possible danger and useability of the corresponding object. The utilitarian properties of desert are reflected in dictionary definitions, reactions of informants, and descriptions of its climatic, geographical and biological characteristics. Ethical conceptualization of a natural phenomenon is a transfer of its characteristics to human behavior and allegoric evaluative comparison of such behavior and a certain natural object. It is expressed in proverbs and aphorisms with images of lifeless space, oases and mirages as a contrast between reality and dream, distortion of reality and deceptiveness of illusions. Ethically, the idea of a desert as a punishment for sins is often promoted in religious texts. Aesthetic symbolization of nature is manifested in linguistic consciousness as admiration of the beauty of the world or as awe and rejection of reality. Aesthetic symbolization of desert consists in contrast of light and darkness, spiritual emptiness and search of one’s destination, vanity and solitude. A special emphasis is given to an image of a spring in the desert.
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