Pearls were one of the most common and popular jewelry items in Russia. They were used to embroider both royal clothes and festive outfits of peasants. The image of pearls as a significant detail of artistic narration appears in the works of Russian classics of different epochs (for the existence of the word pearls and its derivatives in Russian culture, see the article by A. N. Shustov "Margarine is the brother of pearl barley" / / Russkaya rech. 1997. N 4). In the Lay of Igor's Regiment, the mention of pearls is associated with two stable associations. On the one hand, pearls have long been a symbol of spiritual purity. And the author of the "Word" tells the story of Prince Izyaslav, who was abandoned by his brothers in a difficult moment and died defending the land from enemies: "There was no brother Bryachyaslav, nor a friend - go-Vsevolod, but only izroni zhemchuzhnu soul and brave body through the golden necklace" (Monuments of literature of Ancient Russia. XII century. Moscow, 1980. p. 382). On the other hand, not being able to explain the true origin of pearls, the ancient people considered them the tears of mermaids. Therefore, according to popular beliefs, even a dream pearl was perceived as a harbinger of future misfortunes and tears. In the "Word", Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev confides to those close to him his prophetic dream, full of evil omens. And one of them is the "great zhenchyug", which was allegedly showered on the prince (Ibid., p. 378). At the same time page 14 in the morning, he will hear the sad news about the death of Igor's squad in the distant Polovtsian steppe. And then the Polovtsians will rush to Russia in a devastating raid. On this occasion, Svyatoslav will say his "golden word, mixed with tears" (Ibid., p. 380). N. A. Nekrasov in the poem "Frost, Red Nose", telling about how the widowed Daria grieved in the forest, directly likens her tears to pearls: Another one will fall off your lashes And on the snow with a flourish will fall - It ... Read more