Berries in the Slavic Oral and Written Tradition of Dream Interpretation

Abstract

A parallel examination of berries in the oral and written traditions of dream interpretation allows us to compare their symbolism in both corpuses of texts and to identify the interaction and mutual influence between them, as well as to trace the process of filiation of dream interpretations in dream books. Berries are included in two extensive groups of oral folk interpretations, one of which foreshadows tears, the other ― sores on the skin. For the written tradition, both of these models of dream interpretation are not typical. Occasionally, berries and cherries are found as a symbol of tears in dream books, in which one can see the influence of oral tradition. In one rare case, both traditions are brought together by the motif of hope in the symbolism of cherries. The interpretation of berries in the Slavic literary tradition goes back mainly to the ancient dream book of Artemidorus. With another source ― so called Akhmet’s dream book ― some features of the symbolism of plums in European and Arabic dream books are related by origin. The symbolism of cherries and plums, which characterizes time, is interesting. One can observe how the “perishable” sign, which caused the symbolism of transience in cherries, develops new meanings associated with time ― it symbolizes impermanence and aging. In plums, the symbolism of illness and fear as an obstacle generates a motive of slowing down and stretching time, and the symbolic meanings of boredom and longing. A distinctive feature of plums in the oral tradition is the metaphorical symbolism of tears, teals and bruises. Otherwise, in the folk interpretations of plums, especially among the South Slavs, one can see a strong influence of the written tradition.