Paper Short Abstract:

Digital tools provide new opportunities to analyse the perceptions of beauty in Lithuanian culture, their changes and relation to contemporary trends. The research reveals how historical conceptions of beauty have shaped women's identity and how they can be interpreted in a new context today.

Paper Abstract:

For centuries, prophetic signs and beliefs have shaped cultural heritage, often linked to perceptions of women’s beauty. But what meanings do these beliefs hold today? Can digital methods reinterpret them? How can technology aid in this analysis? Digitized archives open new avenues for studying cultural phenomena. Lithuanian folklore archives reveal historical views on female beauty, offering insights into broader social mechanisms. Traditionally, beliefs were cataloged descriptively, limiting analysis of their evolution. Digital tools now enable a more systematic approach. Natural Language Processing (NLP) identifies recurring themes, Geographic Information System (GIS) visualizes regional beauty perceptions, and semantic analysis links folklore with medical, literary, and modern beauty trends. Temporal analysis tracks changes, while statistical methods reveal prevalence and interconnections. Data visualization offers fresh perspectives, uncovering historical transformations and contemporary relevance. This interdisciplinary approach deepens our understanding of traditional culture while innovating archival interpretation. The study examines how historical beliefs have shaped female body perceptions and how digital humanities provide new analytical methods. Initial findings from archival belief cards highlight their significance in folklore research, illustrating the evolution of beauty ideals and female identity. Digitization allows us to "rewrite" historical narratives—preserving, transforming, or deconstructing their meanings for modern society. Digital tools not only safeguard archival records but also foster new discussions on beauty, identity, and cultural memory, demonstrating their enduring impact in contemporary contexts.