On the grey colour and its meaning in Latvian folklore texts and the traditional clothing

Archaeological artefacts in relation to the use of the grey colour in the traditional Latvian clothing are very restricted; however, the ethnographic and folklore materials provide more evidence, especially in the texts of folksongs. According to the folksongs, the grey colour in the ancient clothing was very popular, firstly, due to practical considerations. Folksongs on domestic themes reveal that grey clothing was made, if there were only grey sheep available. The wool of grey sheep was used to make clothing for the everyday use, as well as for rainy and foggy days. Although clothing in grey colour was considered less prestigious than clothing made of coloured or white yarn, it was worn on certain occasions. It was especially true for men s outerwear. Secondly, when analysing the use of the grey colour in the ancient Latvian clothing in the context of Latvian folklore texts, it is possible to connect the meaning of colour with the mythical world perception of those who wore this clothing. The folksong texts reveal that, for example, grey jackets and coats were worn by the suitors, but in more ancient times - by the thieves of the bride, who in the mythical representations in these texts appear as wild grey hawks. Thus, the grey colour is the colour of young men and suitors in pair with the yellow colour as the colour of young, unmarried girls (yellow wagtails in folksongs). Mythical beings - the Sun, the God, Jānis, etc. - also wear grey clothing. They ride grey horses and work in a grey field of rye.