Ruta w tekstach folkloru i praktykach kobiet w polskiej kulturze ludowej

Abstract

Ruta graveolens is often included in polish folklore texts. Mainly, it’s a part of songs about young ladies wearing it in a wreath, and those, related to the marriage rite. Analyzing the texts, we can look at the issues of virginity, love and marriage ratings with different perspectives than we know today. An element that allows a deeper understanding meanig of the song, folk-tales, proverbs and the culture, is these plant. We can analyse its appearance, environment, place in a сomplех net- work of ecological dependence and influence on people’s health and disease. Ruta is an early-abortive herb, which seems to have a considerable impact on its place in polish folklore and ceremonial practices.