Porównanie symboliki wierzby i lilii w chińskiej i polskiej kulturze na tle teorii językowego obrazu świata

Abstract

The article introduces the symbolism of the willow and the lily, which have played an important role in the lives of Chinese and Poles over many years. The research issue of this article is the question: What are the differences and similarities in terms of willow and lily symbolism in Chinese and Polish culture? The article is based on an analysis of literature. It aims to indicate the symbolism of the willow and the lily and to find the roots of their differences and similarities in Chinese and Polish cultures. The first part of the article is devoted to the theory of a linguistic worldview, which is the theoretical basis of the research. The second part of the article focuses on the most important and widespread symbolisms of the willow. The third part presents the most important connotations of the lily in both cultures. I It turns out that there are many similar symbolisms of the willow in Chinese and Polish culture, such as homesickness and vitality, etc. Nevertheless, the willow is an attribute of the noble hermit in Chinese culture, while in Polish culture it symbolizes susceptibility because of its pliancy. There are also many analogies in the associations of the lily in Polish and Chinese cultures, such as purity and holiness. Contrary to appearances, in the two civilizations the differences in lily symbolism are not readily apparent.