The semantic difference of mythological pairs «old age – childhood» and «old age – youth» in traditional culture

The subject of this publication is semiotic studies of childhood, youth and old age in traditional culture. The purpose of scientific research is to define the relations between the categories of childhood, youth and old age in archaic mythological consciousness. Research methodology is based on the using the phenomenological approach of comparative historical, semiotic and structural methods. Results. The study determined the ambivalent nature of interpretation of the nature of aging; proved that the symbolic proximity of old age and childhood is fixed through birth / death; found that opposition of old age / youth creates myths about generations conflict, the struggle for power, cultural values, vital resources and so on. Conclusions. Traditional culture has produced ambivalent attitude to old age, which remains in the modern world as many social and cultural stereotypes. Further studying of this issue will contribute to the development of the methodology of social interaction in different age groups.