FOLKLORICA VI (Theocr. id. 5: 65, 96-97, 104-5)

Abstract

A comparative approach toTheocritus’ Idylls shows many analogies between ancient and modern folklore, namely the folklore of South Italy. Thus, in id. 5,65 the mention of heryca refers to a specific species of this plant, still employed in Southern Italy to prepare coal. In 5,96 the juniper is evoked because of its dangerous thorns, in the wise of a proof of love by the lover; in 5,104-105 the cup made of cypressus wood has a peculiar religious and artistic function, like similar objects in Sicilian folklore.