Lithuanian Folklore: the Origins [ENGLISH SUBTITLES] Vakar ir visados (1...

Published on Youtube on Apr 28, 2014.

[YOU CAN TURN THE SUBTITLES ON/OFF BY CLICKING THE CAPTIONS ICON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VIDEO]

This movie about the roots of Lithuanian folk customs was filmed in Lithuanian Film Studio in 1982 but it was banned from cinemas until 1984 because people in charge of Central USSR television regarded it as "too ethnic". The director of this film Gytis Lukšas recounts: "At the time when Lithuania's national broadcaster was not allowed to show even distaffs with traditional ornaments (because the Central Committee of the Communist Party regarded all ethnic items as idolization of the feudal-bourgeois past) a feature-length movie about the 9th century roots of our culture suddenly comes out! It featured the poetry of Marcelijus Martinaitis, ancient polyphonic folk songs & instruments, it was an open challenge! Moscow had requested to make this film but when they saw the end result, they got angry and banned it from the public for several years. However, unofficially people were still watching it in Lithuanian village culture centres, each such screening would turn into folk get-togethers even before the Sajūdis* had started. At that time people in Lithuania were already talking about the independence and us being a European nation with deep cultural roots."

*Sąjūdis*, initially known as the Reform Movement of Lithuania, is the political organization which led the struggle for Lithuanian independence from Russia which was established as an official organisation on June 3, 1988 and was led by Vytautas Landsbergis. Its goal was to seek the return of independent status for Lithuania.

This film reconstructed Lithuanian customs, traditional works and rituals in different seasons. The film features sounds of Sutartine chants from Aukštaitija*, cultural ethnic rituals and Samogitian* war songs, old folk instruments such as horns, blown in a row and skudučiai* circles, reveal the formation of the past national consciousness and worldview.

*Aukštaitija*, one of 5 ethno graphic regions of Lithuania and located in the eastern highland area of Lithuania.

*Samogitian*, from one of the 5 ethnographic areas of Lithuania and located in the North western lowland area of Lithuania. Today Samogitia is known as Žemaitija.
*Curonian*, from one of the 5 ethnographic areas of Lithuania and located in the western coastal area of Lithuania. Curonia was part of Prussian Lithuanian territory.

*skudučiai*,multi-pipe whistles still commonly played in many areas of northeastern Europe. 

I will attempt to describe some of the events and scenes portrayed in the film, for those unfamiliar to the old Lithuanian ethnic cultural pagan customs.

6.44-Boy playing skudučiai

7min30- 4 types of Lithuanian Beehives can be seen. (Can you spot them?). Throughout history, Lithuanians were known as skilled Beekeepers.

8min30- Sounds of the horns can be heard.

10min30-Young girl being taught to weave a sash by her mother or grandmother.

15min11-Dance Sutartine chant performed by a group of girls.

15min42-Traditional Lithuanian ornate distaffs from spinning wheels, decorated with symbols of the Sun and World Tree of the Baltic peoples.

16min39-shows the Lithuanian view of the magic of rocks and healing, purifying and cleansing ability of the water which is made alive and sacred, by gathering in a hole in the rock. 

19min50-Lithuanian bread making shows the symbol of the Sun Goddess imprinted on it before baking.

Interval at 21.45 & 23.46-distinctive ancient Curonian grave markers.

21min50-Ritualistic sharing of the sacred bread among family members.

22min49-I have no idea why girls had their cut this way! It does look ritualistic though. All I can deduce is that it has something to do with the ritual of becoming a wife. The flower wreath is taken off and the traditional head dress of a married women is ritualistically done.(24min41)
Interval at 26.20-ritualistic jewelry is reproduced from the findings of archaeologists and used as everyday dress ornaments.
28min18-ritual of burying bread, salt. The last bushel of rye, not cut in the previous years harvest, is woven into a plait leaving it's roots still in the ground. It is believed that the Rye Goddess dwells in this bushel. This ritual is done in order to increase the fertility of the field.
29min07-Songs, chants and dances were a common sight in the fields.
30min01-Lithuanians even today make these straw decorations that represent the world Tree and some represent a garden with birds which are made for Winter Solstice. At 30min34 you can see one such ornament. You can even see the birds hanging off the corners.

35min30-Flax growing,harvesting and processing was always very important to Lithuanian people. The flax was spun and woven to create all kinds of linen items. Garments, tablecloths and bedding were made, to name but a few. This was arduous work and often neighbors and extended families would come together to help each other, often working late into the night with many songs to pass the time more easily. 
40min46-Show some of the Uzgavenes customs. (Uzgavenes is also known as Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday,Shrove). This was a purely pagan custom which involved people dressing up as various mythical beings such as Witches, Gods, Goddesses, Devils, etc. At 41min09, you can see some dressed as Giltine, Goddess of Death. The grim reaper who spits poison with her pointed tongue and escorts the dying part way to Paradise. During Uzgavenes, there is much dancing, singing, games and laughter. For more information on the rites of Uzgavenes, feel free to read my related blog posts.
42min42- Still during the time of Uzgavenes, some neighboring boys bring More,( old man/the hag of Winter), to the farmstead and this effigy is murdered, killed and burned with much jubilation to usher out the Winter season and welcome the Spring.
47min48-Wedding preparation ritual for the bride who is adorned with traditional jewelry and a wreath of Rue. Naturally the girl is grieved to leave her parents, family and home to be married. Although it is a happy occasion it is outweighed by her sadness.You can feel her pain in the whole rite.
51min53-A traditional lamentation called Raudos can be heard. These are traditionally sung often at the time of leaving the home and at funerals. The sadness and sobbing really expresses the sentiment of the song.
56min51-A scene from a *Curonian* rite of Velines,(known as Samhain to many). Candles are lit on graves to light the way home for the Veles, (Souls) and show them that their memory, like the flame, continues to burn bright in our hearts and minds. This rite was commonly practised across all the Baltic lands.

I hope you found this clip informative and inspiring. Paganism has a rich tapestry of rites and customs which modern humankind has neglected and forgotten. I believe that understanding our ancient roots and reviving the simplistic customs of our ancestors can help us to once again re align or harmonise with our Earth mother and our Sky father.

Discovery the Spirit of Romuva- Magazine article on the Eve of Winter Solstice

What is the Lithuanian tradition for the 

Eve of Winter Solstice? 

-Kūčios! 

(pronounced:Koochios) 

The solemn feast of Kūčios unites the living with the dead as well as all forms of life: people and animals. Animals partake in the ceremony by eating the same food that people eat. When people and animals used to live under one roof, everybody fed their household and farm animals from the table. On farms in Lithuania today, the family still feed their animals with the leftovers from Kūčios, and also share the food with bees and fruit trees. Kūčios is followed the next day by Kaledos, now called Christmas which focuses more on life and the living.

For Kūčios, the house requires special preparation at least 2 weeks prior.

The family hangs up an iconic "grove:" birds made of wood- straw or egg shells surrounding a straw sun. This grove as well as a multitude of burning candles invokes the souls of the dead (vele) who sit at a small table with bread, salt, and Kūčia on it. The Kūčia contains many traditional grains which symbolize regeneration: cooked wheat, barley, peas, beans, rye, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, etc. mixed with nuts and honey water. Other dishes represent fertility, abundance, health and remembrance of the ancestors.

The Kūčia feeds the souls of the ancestors as well as the living. The living sit at a table, covered with hay and a table cloth on top. An extra place is set for the ancestors. In earlier days, hay also used to cover the floor. Hay is a symbol of the life force, which sustains the human world and so decorates the main table. Decorations include a bundle of unthrashed rye, which the family used the next day to bind around its apple trees.

In Lithuanian tradition, before Kūčios, it is customary that the house requires special preparation. As for cleaning, most Lithuanians will clean their house thoroughly before Christmas Eve – no skipping behind the books and sofas! In fact, it is very common to try and complete all outstanding work: settle all debts; make up with relatives, neighbors and enemies; forgive those you can‘t make up with; and ask for forgiveness if you've been acting inappropriately in order to reach the New Year with peace of mind. As with cleaning, it is believed that you should not carry over any dirt, misunderstandings, or untidiness into the next year.Should you wish to ignore those rules, you are thought to experience financial and personal troubles throughout the next year.

The fire rituals are observed in all Lithuanian calendar and family holidays. Two of the most important holidays, Kūčios and Kaledos, the eve of Winter Solstice and the day of Winter Solstice, mark the end of the year, when the world returns to darkness and non-existence. However, as death begets birth, these two holydays also herald the rebirth of nature and the return of the sun. The Lithuanians distinguish the two subsequent days, now celebrated on 24 and 25 December with a variety of traditional ritual customs. As the Dear Sun spins her golden rays, spinning is forbidden during this time lest you make the Goddess angry and delay her return.

Although Lithuanians are now predominately Catholic/Christian, Lithuanian customs continue to preserve her own traditions in various ways, under the disguise of a Christian celebration. The Lithuanian Kūčios tradition is one such tradition that survived under the guise of Christianity. Winter Solstice Eve was a very important Baltic celebration. Lithuanians simply altered certain customs to appease the Catholic Church but continued to carry on with their celebrations in the same Pagan custom! Good trick really! :) 

For example:

*The straw under the table cloth that used to traditionally represent the harvest and the Gods of the Rye, is now said to represent the straw in the baby Jesus manger.
*The 13 different dishes at the Kūčia represented the 13 Lunar months but under the compromise,13 dishes became 12 and now said to represent the 12 apostles!
*The apples that symbolise harvest and the Earth Goddess, now represent the folly of Adam and Eve.
The list of replacements is really quite long but the core Pagan customs still continue, largely unchanged, to this day

Among other Kūčios customs, participants exchange wishes for each other by pouring grains into the hearth fire. The hearth becomes the sacred fire of the home. Each single grain sown in the fire grows and prospers.

Representing the old year, the family ritually burns a birch wreath, stump, or log in the hearth(some may know as the Yule log). The participants can also destroy evil by burning splinters they invest with meaning.

On Kūčios, as during many other Lithuanian feasts, people practiced divinations. Wedding themes and charms to encourage the health, productivity and fertility of animals are most common. Many of these rituals involve the maidens in the house.

I celebrate Kūčios every year with my loved ones and enjoy increasing my dalia(allotment) by adhering to the customs of my ancestors by observing the same seasonal celebration as they did. I do Kucios as an affirmation of my Baltic faith. I hope you found my article refreshing to your Soul and can find more information on my own celebrations of Kucios on my blog.

http://stevekryzius.blogspot.com.au/

Discovering the Spirit of Romuva-Gateways to the world Tree

Gateways to the World Tree

Tree, Rock, Fire, Water.

gateways to the gods

gateways to the ancestors

gateways to the wisdom of the past

gateways to the potential of the future

gateways through which to give offerings of gratitude.

gateways through which blessings and guidance given.

with hand outstretched

or with back resting against.

quiet reflection, silent prayers,

the kingdom of Perkunas

the world of Zemyna

the realm of Velnias

all will be revealed.

Glossary:

Perkunas-Thunder God

Zemyna-Earth Goddess

Velnias-God of the underworld

Discovering the Spirit of Romuva- Bush and Rain forest

Bush and Rainforest, lands of Nature.

The Gods are most palpable in these places.

It is there,that their voices sound louder and clearer

Medeina,Goddess of the forest,and all who live in her,

Silently growing, always knows the answers,

Such a nurturing force, teaches me always.

Local Spirits of place, ancient guardians,

Aboriginal beings of the Dreamtime,

Such old forces, fills me with austere reverence

Upinis, God of the rivers, sacred living Water

Swirling, churning and constantly flowing

Such a continual force, teaches me endurance,

Mokas, spirits of Rock, birthed of Mother Earth

Cold ancient hardness, wisdom within,

such a steadfast force, teaches me strength

The bush is my cathedral, the rainforest is my school,

always returning,when guidance & direction is needed.

My terrestrial church.

discovering the Spirit of Romuva-Celestial guidance

My flag of Romuva Down Under

This is my personal flag of Romuva Down Under and features the pentacle as a hieroglyph of self. I will now explain the symbolism of the heirogylph and the other details in this flag so the reader may glean a deeper insight to the concept of this flag.

The five points of the star represent Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Spirit which is who we are really. We are a Star who has all the elements and Spirit. Symbols of some of my personal Lithuanian Gods adorn each of the five rays. Starting from the top one of the symbols for Perkunas, the Thunder God, next the snake cross, and to me, represents the Underworld Gods. Next is the crest of the Moon God Menulis, my shining prince of the heavens on the next ray is a symbol for Saule, my beautiful Sun Goddess, and on the last, a symbol of the eternal Fire that burns within.  In this hieroglyph of Self , within the Pentagram exists the hexagram which represents the Universe and all her power. Two equilateral triangles interlocked in harmony and balance. One triangle points down to the Earth and the other points up to the heavens. On the green, downward pointing triangle, the Romuvos symbol of the World Tree that connects us to all realms of the Gods and Goddesses of Earth and Sky, with the worlds of the living and the dead. The white upward pointing triangle indicates the infinite white light that emanates from before eternity, during eternity and beyond eternity, (Praamzius).

Within the surrounding circle of the pentacle, top left, is the ancient symbol of the Triqetra or Celtic knot which reminds me that lie is eternal, love never ends and the Spirit constantly grows. Past, Present and Future, Creator, Destroyer, Sustainer, Maiden, Mother and Crone, are all threefold aspects of this symbol.
Top right, within the circle, is another ancient symbol representing the infinity of the threefold forces in this universe. The next symbol on the right is an old Lithuanian symbol for Wind, Air and all the Beings of the atmospheric realm. The eight pointed star is a Baltic symbol for Auseklas, Star Goddesses who shine the light from their eternal, celestial fires. Last but not least is a ancient Lithuanian symbol for Land, Earth and all the Beings who dwell on and within Her. 

The circle enclosing these glyphs represents never ending eternity of unity and harmony.

The 3 flags represent the nation of Aboriginal heritage in the context of Australians and Lithuanians. The coat of arms of NSW where I live and the coat of arms of Lithuania, from where my ancestors come. The Bee is symbol of Goddess Austeja and everything she represents which are qualities such as friendship, community, industriousness and altruism to name a few.

The Cuckoo Bird represents the Goddess Laima. She is the Goddess of fate who weaves for us our destiny with many colorful strands, twists and curves into a beautiful sash. 

I hope you found this post interesting. Feel free to leave comments.

Wheel of the year of Romuva in Australia

The following is a description of the Lithuanian Sventes included with the dates that they are celebrated here in Australia. The conversion to the Australian Romuvos calendar was fairly straight forward because the dates for the Sventes are determined by seasonal, agricultural or astronomical observances which are clearly opposite here in Australia. For example, when Lithuanians celebrate the Summer Solstice in December, Australian Lithuanians are celebrating Winter Solstice at the same time. When Lithuanians honour the dead in the dying season of Autumn, Australian Lithuanians are celebrating the flourishing of nature in Spring and when Lithuanians are escorting Winter with song and dance, Australian Lithuanians are celebrating the harvest.

The fact that climate and seasons greatly vary in Australia and by no means comparable to the climate in Lithuania where they get down to -45 degrees Celsius in Winter. In much of Australia, there are no real seasons as the Europeans know it. In the Northern Territory, for example, Aboriginal people mark their year by food availability and the cyclic weather events. The season of Emu egg collecting is known when looking at the Milky Way, the shape of an Emu laying down can be seen. Knock em down storm season wouldn’t be easy to ignore. There are many more seasons recognised by the Indigenous Aboriginal people than Europeans and the clear difference in calendars can be understood when you realise that Aboriginal people were not agriculturalists. The European seasonal calendar doesn’t apply in much of this country, however, where I live is fairly temperate in weather and growing my veges brings me much joy so the seasonally adjusted European and Lithuanian Pagan agricultural calendar does work for me, in the place where I live, here in Australia.

From the diagram it can be clearly seen that the Sventes of Lithuania are astronomically and seasonally opposed so when celebrating them at the correct time of year brings a certain harmony within yourself, your community and the Gods and Goddesses of nature and the universe.

  

 Lithuanian Ethnic Religion Calendar Holidays

 Holiday

 Date in Lithuania-LT

 Date in Australia-AU

 Brief Description

 Prieskaledis

 (Pre-Solstice preparations)

 9-20/12-24 December LT

 9-20/12-24 June AU

 Preparation for the Winter solstice Eve

 Preparation for the Kucios meal

  

   

 Kūčios

 (Winter Solstice Eve)

 20/24 December LT

 20-24 June AU

 Union between the living and the dead. The last day of the Lithuanian year. Family holiday. After reconciliation and forgiveness, everyone sits together at the holiday table. Some of the 13 dishes,(representing the 13 Lunar months), must be eaten by all if a prosperous year is to be had. Many divinations and prognostications are performed.

Kaledos

 (Winter Solstice and New Year's Day)

 21/25 December LT

 21-25 June AU

 People pay homage to the Sun and blessings for the new solar year.

Tarpukaledis

 (Intra-Solstice)

 21 December-2 January/25 December-6 January LT

 21 June-6 July AU

 Days of rest. Traditional women's and men's work is forbidden

Pusiaužiemis

 (Mid-winter)

 25 January (in older practice: the first new moon, called the foal, after the Winter Solstice) LT

 25 July AU

Synonymous with lunar new year. Krikstas and new year celebration. Badgers, porcupines, and bears leave their caves or turn on their sides. This determines how long Winter will last.

+Perkūno diena

 (Perkunas Day)

 2 Feb LT

 2 August AU

 Blessing of candles(death candles), linen and ever green trees. Songs and prayers to Perkunas,the mighty Thunderer for strength and courage.

 We await the first sound of Springtime thunder, wakes nature from Winters slumber.

 +Gabijos diena

 (Goddess Gabija day)

 5 Feb LT

 5 August AU

 People bless of bread and people. Songs and prayers to Gabija, Thanks given to her for her Fire that cooks our food and gave us light, warmth and comfort through the cold Winter months.

Goddess of the home hearth, Guardian of Fire and grains.

+ These festivals combined are similar in some ways to the Celtic festival called Inbolc.

Užgavėnės

 (Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday, Shrove)

 Varies in February LT

 Varies in August AU

 Rite to usher out winter. A mock battle between the Bacon God and the Hemp God takes place where the later always wins. Burning of the More(Hag of Winter). Costumed people sing and dance as they go visiting.

 Vieversio diena/Kazimerines

 (Skylark day, St Kazimeras)

 24 February LT 

 25 August AU

  Craft markets and parades to celebrate the official beginning of Spring remembering the traditional tale from Lithuanian mythology that recalls when the Blacksmith God forged the Sun and threw her into the sky.

 Verba

 (Flower and herb lance)

 Varies in March LT

 Varies in September AU

 Preparation for Spring

Pavasario lyge

 (Spring Equinox)

 20-21 March LT

 23 September AU

 Welcomes Spring. Blessing renewal of life.

  

 Velykos (Easter) aka velykiu velines 

(Easter, Easter for the Souls,The Great Day)

 Varies in April LT

 Varies in Sept 2010 AU

Spring time to honour given to the Ancestors. People exchange coloured and decorated eggs. Egg games played. Swings made and people swung to help nature by bringing energy from the sky to the Earth and vice versa by performing the swinging action. People blessed certain foods to ensure that you have food all year. People whipped with Verbos (green branch) and sprinkled with blessed water. The green branch is believed to be magical and can bestow health and good fortune.

 _____________________________________________

Jore; now known as Jurgines

(St George day)

 23 April LT

 30 Sept AU

 Celebrates new growth of Spring. Animals are herded for the first time. The earth cannot be moved on this day. Rituals of bread making performed. Bread was buried in the fields and gardens. After placing a bread roll on the ground a farmer would put one ear to the ground, farmers would listen to the Rye to find out if it will be a good harvest. The God of the Spring Thunder was called Jore or Joris. He evoked the forces of Life. Jore owned the key to the Land, which when Earth is unlocked Jore sends rain and resurrects all vegetation. Flowers and Herbs were offered to Zemyna Goddess Earth Goddess, Pergubis God of all plants along with 15 other vegetation Gods were honored.

 Sekmines

 Varies in June LT

 Varies in December AU

End of sowing and commence of Summer work. People revelled in the abundance of nature. Houses and cattle adorned with flowers wreaths and Birch. Cattle incensed (smudged) Certain Divinations and Charms made. People performed similar blessings of grasses in churches, as at Zolines. Fire and Water was also blessed.  Wedding games played by youth express Pagan beliefs that peoples sexual love and fertility stimulate Earths productivity.

 Pre Solstice Days. Preparation for the Solstice.

 9-20/12-24 June LT

9-20 December

 Rasa a.k. a. Kupoline

 (Dew, Herb Pole Day, Eve of Summer Solstice)

 21-24 June LT

 21-21 December AU

Homage to the sun and medicinal herbs. Celebrated by many young people. Bon fires are kept during the night and until the dear Sun reappears. Wreaths are woven and set adrift, fortunes told, divinations performed, the fern blossom is sought at midnight. The hay harvest begins after this holiday.

 "Tarpukaledis"

(intra-solstice day).

Young people celebrate. The old year is burned. A sub-set of the Kaledos traditions are celebrated. The skies and the heavens predict the future weather and harvest.

 *Rugiu Svente

 (Rye holiday)

 25 July LT

 25 January, Australia Day AU

Blessing of rye and other grain crops at the harvest.

 *Prinokimo Svente

 (Ripe holiday)

 26 July LT

 26 January AU

 End of the rye harvest. The first new bread is baked.

Berries are ripe.

_________________

*These festivals are often combined.*

_________________

  Žolinės

 (Meadow Grass celebration)

 15 August LT

 15 February AU

Coming of autumn. People gathered grass from their fields and gardens and brought it to churches to be blessed. Rye, wheat and oat ears were tucked into these grass bundles. In the spring, these ears were crushed and sprinkled on the seeds to be planted. Other bundles of blessed grasses were used as medicine, as protection from lightning strikes and to be sewn into coffin pillows. Families always tried to gather together on this day to ensure the coming year would be a productive one. The spring crop harvest begins

 Dagotuves, Rudens Lyge

 (Autumnal Equinox)

 20-21 September LT

 21 March AU

 Harvest celebration

  

 Ilges a.k.a. Velines

 (Lengthening, Day of the Shades)

 21 September-2 November LT

 21 March-2 May(Main memorial on ANZAC Day) AU

Remembrance of the Dead. Reconciliation is sought between the Living and Dead. Donations are given to elgetos. Old and ill people, who cannot make enough to eat, become elgetos.

Over many years of research, I have learnt many of the traditional customs contained in literary material collected by numerous academic and ethnographic researchers of my Lithuanian ancestors. Trinkunas, Balys, Velius and Gimbutas just to name a few. I visited Lithuania and participated in most of these Sventes first hand to learn the practical side of these celebrations. I realised that it would be impossible to replicate here in Australia, the national joy, enthusiasm, customs, songs and dances that erupt everywhere in Lithuania, when celebrating the Solstices and Equinoxes. I have formulated my own Australian Lithuanian calendar as the relevant Sventes are expressed in my life, here Down Under. There are actually many more Sventes, birthdays, funerals and namesgiving but I am trying to keep this article brief.

 Sources: JonasTrinkunas,ed.Of Gods and Holidays.[ Vilnius ]:Tverme,1999.110-111.Jonas Trinkunas.Baltu tikejimas: Lietuviu pasaulejauta,paprociai, apeigos, Zenklai. Vilnius : Diemedzio leidykla, 2000. 45.Prane Dunduliene.Lietuvui Sventes: Tradicijos, paprociai, apeigos. Vilnius: Mintis,1981.

 Australian references by Steven Kryžius