LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Etninis tapatumas; Lenkai; Nuotakos vainikas; Pietryčių Lietuva; Simboliai; Tapatumas; Tapatybė; Velykų maistas; Vilniaus kraštas; Šventės; Bridal wreath; Easter dishes; Ethnic identity; Festivals; Identity; South-eastern Lithuania; Southeastern Lithuania; Symbols; The Poles; Vilnius Land.
ENThis article considers some of the ritualistic cultural symbols in order to determine the way in which they influecne the formation of Polish ethnic identity in Southeastern Lithuania. Amongst the marriage symbolism, the bride’s wreath is analyzed along with the materials used to make it. Certain Easter ritual dishes are discussed as symbols of the Easter week. It is concluded that at the end of the 20th - beginng of the 21st century Poles of South-eastern Lithuania highlight their ethnic identity through their decision to use these cultural and religious symbols in rituals. For this reason the Poles tend to preserve and include those symbols that may be considered ethnically representative and influence the formation of their identity. [From the publication]