Euphemisms and misunderstandings

A euphemism is defined as bwing the substitution of word that is considered to be too strong or unpleasant for a mild or pleasant expression. Lithuanian language, like many other languages of the world, use eupemisms to describe their deities. There are two main reasons for this and further complexities make it difficult to ascertain the genuosousness of the deity or the details of the pantheon. Firstly, it was considered to be inappropriate and disrespectful to use the proper name of the deity. It is assumed that it was an unspoken rule that it was forbidden to speakk the deity's name and so euphemisms were used. As an example, the Christian God known as the YHVH and the unpronouncable name of God, became Jehovah and was known by many other names. The mighty God Perkunas of the Lithuanians was known as Dundulis, Divitks, etc. Secondly, the eupenisms used to describe a deity and also changes with the dialect spoken and regional influences so it truly can be difficult to accurately name a deity of our ancestors all we can do is establish a relationship with the energy of the deity and realise that the name is of litte importance. The names of the Lithuanian pantheon were mainly documented in many of the folktales, which I tend to give credance as ;egitamite. The other written accounts of the deities who made up the Lithuanian pantheon were made by foreigners who didn't speak the language or understand its nuances. Therefore many of the names of the deities were either mispelt or misunderstood. It was not clear whether it was an observation of a deity or a spirit and many names were highly debated with some people claiming that they were fabrications. The conclusion of this post is still "on going" as I attempt to distinguish between euphemism and misunderstanding to better understand the deities of the Lithuanian pantheon.

House Spirits of traditional Lithuanians

 The sayings,"Home is where the heart is" and Your home is your castle", are both apt when describing your home. Homes have greatly changed over the centuries. Ftom caves to mansions and everything in between, homes have always been a ind of sanctuary for those who lived there. Many cultures across the world have their own versions of "House Spirits" and it is interesting to study the different beings associated, but for today, I would like to explore the traditional Lithuanian household Spirits and how their presence can be reflected in our dwellings of today.

Fire of Goddess Gabija

Traditional Lithuanian homes not only housed the living but also the dead and several other different Spirits who were honoured seasonally and/or even daily. The first Spirit that I would like to mention is the Fire of Goddess Gabija. Most, if not all, Lithuanians viewed Fire as being a spiritual force which was paramount to the survival of the family and eventually this spiritual force became so important that Fire became a Goddess. The image of Goddess Gabija has changed over the millennia, from Zoomorphic to anthromorphic where once She was viewed as a cat, (or numerous other animals), to now being seen as a woman in a red dress. I believe that, due to the importance of Fire that it has been exalted from a Spirit to a Goddess. The image of Gabija as a Goddess has been reflected in folkart and many Lithuanian folktales.

Fire played an important role, especially to early people. Fire gave warmth on long cold, Winter nights. Fire cooked the food to be edible and even cooked the daily bread needed. Fire was also an effective way to light up the night so you could see and allowed a person to make their path safer. Lithuanians also believed that the Fire of Goddess Gabija is a protector of the home and family but could be vengeful if disrespected by burning down the house. 

Fire is no longer crucial people of today as much of its functions have been replaced with electricity but Fire is still important to us a race. Nature still needs Fire. Some plant seeds in Australia won't germinate without it. Some people still use Fire to heat their homes with Fire places and various types of wood heaters. A campsite wouldn't be complete without a campfire for warmth and cooking. So, although we don't rely on Fire as much as our ancestors, it's still important to us today.

Gyvate (pron. give- ut-eh)  (Snakes)

Gyvate (Snake) is another Lithuanian :House Spirit who brought luck, protection and fertility to the house and its occupants. In Lithuania, it was considered to be fortunate if a Snake were to take up residence in your house. This attitude towards Snakes is very different n traditional Lithuanians to that of Australians. Most Australians wouldn't be as comfortable with a possibly venomous and deadly snake in their home. Most snakes in Lithuania are smaller and not as venomous so it is easy to see the difference in attitudes towards them. 

So getting back to the Lithuanian belief of Snakes. Snakes were seen as animals of Saule, the Sun Goddess, as they were often found to be basking in the Sun and were also believed to be able to visit the ancestors in the Underworld as Snakes often lived underground. Snakes also produced eggs which is a powerful symbol of fertility and new life. So you can see that Lithuanians considered Snakes to be special animals indeed that deserved protection and care. 

Apart from the Snake offering the house and its occupants certain protections and blessings, the house Snake was also invited to participate in the Pusiauziemis feast, (Midwinter feast). The dishes that the Snake ate from were considered to be blessed and so everyone would share those dishes.

Spirits/Echoes/Shades of the ancestors

Many old lithuanian homes are ancestral homes where generations of the same family lived and sometimes died.  Wakes with open coffins were often held in Lithuanian homesteads. Whether it be in the Granary barn or the house, friends and family were able to grieve and lament the death of that person. Good byes were said and requests to pass messages to deceased people, on the other side, were often given and libations of beer spilled on Mother Earth also were given. All this, over hundreds of years, has built up an energy of the ancestors which is reflected in several types of Lithuanian folk art that is displayed in the home. Sometimes, only a resident can identify a rug woven by a particular  ancestor or a wooden spoon whittled by another ancestor. There are always tell tale signs around the house of an ancestors work.

The Spirits of the ancestors were honoured in a literal sense in traditional Lithuanian homes and were often invited to partake in a feast in their honour. Such feasts were known as Velines, Kucios and even in the Springtime Easter celebrations. The Spirits of the ancestors would even be given a place at the table with their own plate, cup and cutlery. The gratefulness and memory of their ancestors is never ending in a traditional Lithuanian home. 

The ancestors could also be connected to another common household object, in the traditional Lithuanian house, called a "Soda", (pron. Sow-dah). The "Soda", (garden) is a geometrical straw representation of the Cosmic or World Tree that is often adorned with straw ornaments including other geometrical features, plants, animals and celestial bodies. The ancestors are often represented as straw Birds, perched in its branches. The designs of the "Sodai",(Plural) are really quite interesting and are generally hung either, above cradles of babies to bestow on them all the happiness in the world, over the wedding table to wish happiness and fertility to the newly wed couple or over the family table to encourage Harmony and happiness in the family. 

Lithuanian Soda

Mythological Beings known to live in some Lithuanian households

Many cultures across the world have different mythological beings that inhabit their homes. Traditional English peoples believed that a "Hob" could live in their house. Traditional Scottish knew House spirits who were called a "Brownie","Broonie","Brunaich" or Gruagach which were little "Hobgoblin" type beings. Spanish peoples have a Goblin known as "Tragsu" living in their homes. The Finnish people knew of household Spirits called "Kotihaltia" who were described as little house gnomes that protected the house. In general, House Spirits were known to be helpful but can be nothing but tricksters.

Lithuanian peoples weren't without their unique mythological beings who were known as "Kaukas", "aitvaras" and "Bartsukai", I will briefly describe each being, starting with: 

Kaukas who is known as a House Spirit in western Lithuania and is seen as a dwarf . These beings originally lived in the forest but can be coaxed to live in your home. A Kaukas can bring fortune, good luck and good crops but can lash out in anger if mistreated.

 

An "Aitvaras" can be seen as several things. Sometimes an Aitvaras can be seen flying through the night sky as a Rooster with a flaming Snake tail which appears as a "shooting star". An Aitvaras can also appear as a black Rooster when on earth and has a skill for acquiring wealth/grain, whatever, by stealing from others. They required daily offerings lest they turn against you and cause strife in your life. Having an Aitvaras was not seen as a positive thing for the community and people tried to avoid becoming attached to one.

 

The last household Spirit that I'd like to mention is the "Barstukai" who are known to live under Elder bushes and are seen as hairy gnomes who like to knot your hair at night if they are displeased. 

These Lithuanian mythical Beings/Spirits live on in traditional folk tales from the past but I see as having little relevance to how we live our lives in our modern homes. I can acknowledge that these Beings/Spirits were part of the home life of my Lithuanian ancestors but that's all, really. It would be nice to think of having domestic chore helpers.

What we can do to include Lithuanian household Spirits to enrich our homes and lives.

There are several things that we can do daily to foster Lithuanian House Spirits in our living space. First thing is to light a candle. This creates a great ambiance to the room and can be mesmerizing. Lithuanians still have a lit candle on the table during special meals and can be a way to bring the Spirit of Fire into your life.

Not many people, that I know, have a house Snake or keep them as pets but I wouldn't be adverse to seeing the image of the snake displayed in several places of my home. I see the Snake image in lots of Lithuanian folk crafts, like wood work and metal work, so I assume Lithuanians also saw the image of the Snake to be sacred.

The Spirits of the ancestors always had a big part in the general atmosphere of the home. I also believe that it's important to be grateful to them and their contribution to who I am today. I don't live in an ancestral home but there are lots of things that I can do to ensure that they are never forgotten. I place photos of deceased relatives around the house. I am lucky enough to have a blanket from a Lithuanian relative who spun the thread and wove it artistically into a beautiful blanket. My Lithuanian ancestors are always in my thoughts and never far away.

I feel that I am fostering a good relationship with the traditional Lithuanian Household Spirits. I feel that my home has a good "feel" to it as a result of connecting myself and my home with traditional Lithuanian House Spirits. I feel that I am better connected to my own heritage and ancestors which adds to the harmony within myself which is also a principle of Romuva.

Let there always be Harmony!

Dievas, Velnias, Laumes, Laima Dalia, Laima and Sisters (Lithuanian traditional Deities, known as the Sky God, God of the Underworld, Fairies, Goddess of allotted Fate, Goddess of Fate and her sisters)

(I really didn't know what to title this post so I just named it after the traditional Lithuanian deities who are discussed in it.)

According to Lithuanian folktales, Dievas and Velnias are co creators of the world. Dievas is a shapeshifter, the shining Sky father who also determines morality of people and order in nature. Velnias is also a shapeshifter, caretaker of the deceased, God of the Underworld, master of magic,music and dance.

The Lithuanian folktales relate a belief that it was Dievas who created high places, places of beauty, useful plants and animals. Velnias on the other hand created places, plants and animals of less beauty. Eg. swamps, Bogs, stinging nettles, flies and mosquitoes, etc.

After these Deities had finished their creating and were happy with their work, Dievas accidentally created people. After washing his face, some of his spittle fell on fertile earth and then grew into people. Dievas was not concerned with this creation but later was responsible for outlining morality for people and responsible for the balance of everything. The Sun and the Moon have been described as the eyes of Dievas, implying that night or day, He's always watching. Dievas also occasionally comes to earth as a beggar/old man or whatever for he chooses. Any transgressions of  hospitality and kindness  were reported to Perkunas, the Thunder God, who would then punish them.

The following is not Lithuanian related but a personal understanding based on the wisdom that I have had from my own reflections in this lifetime and others. I believe that each one of us is born with all the the forces and abilities of the universe. Perhaps we are different from the rest of creation because we were directly created using the bodily fluids of a universal being like Dievas. No one really knows but it's an idea.

The Lithuanian Goddess Laima, Goddess of fate and destiny, determines how this potential of the universe is used.The Goddess Laima is another Deity who can change her form at will and can often appear as different aspects of herself. These 2 deities are similar to the concept that I have learnt in palmistry. The signs and markings of the left hand indicates the in born potential that you came with at birth and your right hand shows signs of what you made of it. You could say that Dievas represents the left hand and Laima represents the right hand. You may have been born with the Universes potentials but if Laima has destined you to be born in a poor country or family, then what you make of your inherent potential will most probably be limited. Some people are destined to have a short life while others are destined for a long life. My own relationship of Laima may be a reflection of my own cultural background, being of Lithuanian descent. I know that many Lithuanians believe in predesrtination and makes them appear to be more fatalistic compared to other cultural communties.

This has led me to explore the qualities of the Goddess Laima of the traditional Lithuanian pantheon. This Goddess is represented in many other cultures with many other symbols but for simplicity, I will just look at Latvian beliefs compared to Lithuanian and look at an aspect of Laima known as Laima Dalia.

The Latvian concept of Laima is similar to the Moiriae of the traditional Greek pantheon or the Norms of the Scandanavian pantheon. These Goddesses of fate represent a trinity. In Latvia, they are called Laima, Dekla and Karta. The Latvian Goddess Laima is more concerned with mothers and childbirth, Dekla is more concerned with the fate of children and young adults while Karta is more connected with the fate of adults. The three sisters of Fate are called the Laimas.

The function of the Latvian Goddess Dekla, in caring for children and young adults, is similar to the function of the Lithuanian Laumes (Fairies). Lithuanian Laumes and Laima have often been associated with each other and perhaps this is the reason why. I won't go into describing Lithuanian Fairies. That could be a post in itself! I will say that there are several Lithuanian folktales that describe in gruesome detail, what happens when lazy and deceitful parents of kids. Fairies wildly spinning intestines like thread until the person dies! Compared to the rewards given to parents of kids who were honest, good and hardworking, It was quite the opposite. it was a great contrast seen in the folktales. Always benevolent to children but judgmental to parents. In caring for children, Laumes(Fairies) complete a similar function to Latvian Goddess Dekla in caring for kids. 

The Lithuanian concept of Goddess Laima is very different to that of their Baltic neigbours in Latvia. Goddess Laima is believed to have 7 sisters called Deives Valdytojas(en. Goddess managers/Govenesses). These being:

1*Verpiancioji (pron.Varp-ian-choy-ee) who sins the thread.

2*Metancioji (pron. Mat-an-choy-ee) who casts out the thread.

3*Audeja (pron. Ow-de-ya) who weaves the thread.

4*Gadintoja (pron. Gud-in-to-ya) who damges the cloth when no one is looking. This causes the person to experience all sorts of calamities in their life as they travel throw that area of their own damaged cloth.

5*Sergetoja (pron. Sar-get-o-ya), interferes with the malicious actions of Gadintoja and scolds her. Reportedly, Sergetoja regales her sisters with tales of heroism and inspired courage, love, resilience and good deeds.It was believed that those people who lived under the patronage of Segetoja had a blessed and charmed life.

6*Nukipeja (pron. Nook-ee-peh-ya) is the sister who cuts the thread causing the person to die. Nukipeja could also be related to the Goddess Giltine who is the Lithuanian Grim  reaper and appears at death in a white gown with a long poisonous tongue.

7*The sister name Isskalbeja (pron. ish-skull-beh-ya) is the laundress. Some believe that the cloth can be recycled from a previous life.

Interestingly, Goddess Laima is not listed as a sister and so the sisters could be considered as aspects of Goddess Laima. We can't turn back the clocks and know with any certainty. All we can know is that there are some similarities with the legend of the Moiriea and the Greek myth of Pleiades. As a result, it would appear that both the Latvian trinity of the fates and the Lithuanian Septet of Fates can be related to Greek mythology, As Greek culture is also a decsendant of the Indo European peoples, it can be assumed that these concepts of Goddess Laima have Indo European origins.

Another aspect of the Goddess Laima is Laima Dalia,(fated share/allotment(in life)).I fully believe that we each have our own "fated share", in life. Some people may be born rich and some poor. Some people may have a short life while others live a long life. Some people have to struggle for everything they have while others have everything fall into to place and seem to have a charmed life.etc. It can be hard to accept sometimes when you see some people with everything and some people with nothing but, I believe that is their fated share in life and there is balance, even if I don't see it. I believe that your allotted share is mutably fixed but it can be changed by aligning your self with a person/people/organisation,etc, that have a greater "Dalia".I have experienced this several times in my own life when I was able to make better life for someone else. I was able to use my own good fortune, my resources and my "Dalia" to help others. I've even noticed that life became smoother and easier for them, while they were in my life. I believe that the energy of Laima Dalia plays an important role in my life that encourages me to be grateful for what I have and to share what I can, to help others.

This post has mainly been about the Goddess Laima of the Lithuanian pantheon and I believe that she is a necessary part of today. There are a few facts about Laima and her transformations. Laima is a shapeshifter and can appear as a Cuckoo bird. The first calls of the Cuckoo bird at the beginning of Spring can predict the number of years before death. The tree of Laima is the Linden tree and honouring ceremonies are often held in a grove of Linden trees which are attended by women mostly. The Goddess Laima is an important deity to Lithuanians which is evident by the popularity of "Laima" as a first name.

                   "Every twist and curve in life is thanks to Laima"

We must look to the past to know how to better live in the future!

Snakes in the traditional Lithuanian worldview

The Snake is a common figure in many pre Christian communities across the world. There are many differences in the Snakes symbology and mythology. Unfortunately, Christian mythology has demonised the Snake and have identified it with a form of the Christian Devil, who, according to their Holy Book, was the tempter in the garden of Eden and led to the downfall of all people. I won't continue highlighting the sad change of the Snakes image as a result of the popularity of the Christian religion.There really are lots to explore in other Pre Christian cultures, which I won't attempt as this blog post would become a novel In view of this, I will just stick with how the Snake was seen in the traditional Lithuanian way. 

The Snake is often represented in Lithuanian art and crafts of today, including woodworking and steelworking. It would appear that the symbol of the Snake has remained in the Lithuanian psyche for thousands of years and anyone could reasonably say that the Snake was an important figure in the traditional Lithuanian worldview. Generally Lithuanian peoples believed that the Snake deserved love,care and protection. There were even written accounts of Lithuanians picking up a snake and running away with it when a missionary attempted to kill it.  We wouldn't do that in Australia as many of our Snakes are highly venomous and deadly. The Snakes in Lithuania are smaller and non poisonous. Although the Snake was never revered as a Deity, it was special to them and Lithuanian peoples considered their house to be blessed if a Snake takes up residence in it.  

In the Lithuanian worldview, Snakes were considered to be an animal of Saule, the Sun Goddess, as it was often found basking in the sunshine. It was also believed that as Snakes lived underground that they could have the power to visit the ancestors in the Underworld. The Snake cross is a whirling swastika made of Snakes. This is a common symbol and is also used by the Romuva religion in Lithuania. I was pleased to find out that there were many Pre Christian Lithuanian crosses, as my surname means Cross and I didn't want to be known as Steven Crucifix! Lol 

According to Archaeological finds that Lithuanian peoples used several forms of the cross. 

*There was a "Sun Cross", that was simply a circle with a cross in it. This was also a representation of the traditional Lithuanian wheel of the Year.

*An "Earth Cross", was used which was a square with a cross in it.

*A "Thunder Cross", was simply a swastika. Yes! a swastika which is also a common symbol with Hindu peoples of India. The swastika was a positive symbol before Hitler and his Nazi movement had demonised it. Unfortunately, Hittler saw the symbol of the Indo Europeans and added to his quest for the, Blond hair, blue eyed Aryan race.

*Peoples in western Lithuania reportedly used the symbol of a five pointed star as the, "Fairy Cross".  

Of course there;s also the Snake Cross, as discussed earlier. I now understand that my surname is not referring to the conversion to Christianity but the many Pre Christian crosses of the past. On a side note, I have always been drawn to "Goorialla", the Rainbow serpent of the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime. I have had many visions of other realms by meditating on the rainbow seen in the mist of a waterfall. Even though my experiences were edifying and useful at the time, I know it's not a Lithuanian practice but it does highlight my own inherent attraction for Snakes which may connect me to my Lithuanian ancestry. 

In summary, the Snake was always revered by my Lithuanian ancestors. Personally, I couldn't keep a snake in captivity. Not only do I like to see all animals free but I also don't like the idea of having to regularly feed a snake with home grown mice. In  Australia, we have a healthy respect for Snakes understanding territories and aggression in breeding and rearing times. Respect for Snakes, in Australia, is akin to the mindset of my Lithuanian ancestors.

                                                       Snake Cross

Death and the afterlife according to the changing traditional Lithuanian worldview

This article was inspired by reading, "Dausos" by Gintaras Beresnevicius who collected information from archaeologists, folklore and historical records to draw some conclusions. Most of the historical records came from the 13th to the 18th century although there was one written account from Wulfstan from 880-890 AD who tells about the customs of the Aistians(another name for those who came from Baltic tribes) to keep the unburnt deceased person in their homes The writer states that, after conversion, many Lithuanian folk tales have merged with Christian mythology so it is believed that the older the tale, the more authentic it is, regarding the "Earliest beliefs" of the Lithuanians. All facts presented in this article, can be verified in the writings and research of Gintaras Beresnevicius. I am just reviewing his work and coming to my own conclusions based on traditional Lithuanian beliefs.

I am soon to reach the last quarter of my life The first 3 stages of my life can be described as being I have the innocent child, the inquisitive adventurer and the loving father. Throughout my life, I have always felt that i was beyond my years and feel that age old wisdom has guided me in tough periods. Who knows how many times that I have been on earth in the past? As a result of my age and the graying colour of my hair, I feel that I am am approaching the 4th will soon to be recognised by others as the wise sage. All these parts of myself make up who I am today and don't really see a beginning and end to any life stage. I have always been innocent, inquisitive and wise beyond my years who cares for others.

As I approach a more harmonious "self" based on my acquired wisdom,  I find myself often reflecting on the more profound questions regarding existence and the afterlife. Also, I recently had a friend who voluntarily chose to medically end their life which has also caused me to question many things.I have always found many answers in looking to the past and reflecting on the worldview of my Lithuanian ancestors. Afterall, no one really knows definitively what happens after death but, I believe, that we all must find our own worldview concerning death and the afterlife. No one can really say who is right and who's wrong but we can take guidance from Romuva and the old traditional ways of Lithuanians. 

                                                __________________

Lithuanian peoples changed their religious views of death and the afterlife, as did many other religions of the world. Lithuanian peoples were tribal and never really held homogeneous views and sometimes not even at the same time. It is for this reason that there will never be a pan Lithuanian consensus regarding death and the afterlife. There was never a sacred text, like a bible to guide peoples beliefs. Some belief systems lasted for hundreds of years before changing and can only be described as "Early Beliefs", "Earlier Beliefs" and "Earliest Beliefs" but elements of all 3 periods are still visible today in songs, folkart and other customs. I will explore these beliefs and attempt to draw some conclusions for my own understanding. 

There is another clear distinction in the change of beliefs regarding the afterlife among Lithuanian peoples. The "Earliest beliefs" featured a reincarnation in an zoomorphic way, where the Spirit of a dead person lives on as a creature, Tree or any feature in nature. Vincent Kedlubek, Bishop of Krakow wrote in the 13th century that the Jotvingians believed that after death, people were reborn in new bodies and that cruder souls were reincarnated in animals after death. (mannhardt 1936,14). This account stands alone as it is not corroborated by other accounts but it does show how some of the, "Earliest beliefs" permeated into later beliefs.

Somewhere along the way, Lithuanians stopped believing in this form of continuation of life and started seeing the afterlife as being lived in solely human form. When the concept of the Underworld was realised, there arose images of Velnias(Devil/God of magic and the Underworld) as a kind shepherd who tends his flock of sheep, who are really the spirits of the deceased. 

The idea of good and bad and post mortem retribution were always part of Lithuanian ethics and worldview. I'm sure it would be very different from that of a Christians ethics but Lithuanians were no less Godly and respectful, even before Christianisation. Part of this vision of the sheep being tended by a shepherd, eludes to this concept of right and wrong. Well fed sheep grazed in the dunes and skinny, under fed sheep grazed in the green lush meadows. The inference was that the latter sheep, in life, had everything but were still not satisfied. In other images of this kind of post mortum retribution depicted bad people being turned into work horses or ridden by devils in the Underworld.  

Earlier and Early beliefs of Lithuanians regarded the continuing Spirit as having a human form, needs and desires which can be seen in many tales of the Underworld and Afterlife. There are also archaeological evidence showing that exhumed graves and funerary pyres containing objects in life that will be needed in the next life such as horse bones, weaving implements, jewelry, etc.

                                            _____________________

Lithuanians traditionally believed in reincarnation but had different ways of expressing it. In the period from where the "Earliest Beliefs" came, it was understood that there were two separate times. Firstly, there are many etiological tales that are still told to this day. These tales describe the creation of the world and her numerous beings through mythological language. How the birds got their colours, how the mountains,lakes, rivers and constellations were created, etc.. 

The tale, "Egle, Queen of the serpents", hearkens from this time and after thousands of years, has been written down and is still told today. It was at this time that people believed that deceased people could turn into Trees, stars or other beings. Even a recent Lithuanian,(only a few hundred years old), saying, states that "you shouldn't point at Stars because one of them may be your own. By doing this, you may extinguish the Star and just fall down dead. 

The beliefs of this,"Earliest" period of Lithuanians are reminiscent of the "Dreamtime" tales of the Australian Aboriginals, where people were transformed based on their actions in life. It was only later that Lithuanians believed that the spirit of a deceased person is likely to transmigrate into everything from waters, birds, animals, trees and even insects. It was believed that all creatures were once living people and so were afforded due respect. Perhaps this may explain the common trait of modern Lithuanians to have a deep love and respect for nature.

                                           ____________________________

The Lithuanian "Earlier beliefs" were that the destiny for the spirit of the deceased person lay in the "Underworld" which relates to the roots of the "World Tree". In Lithuanian folk tales, this place was located beyond the waters of a Sea, a River, the horizon and sometimes on the otherside of a bridge. The Underworld was described as gloomy but a place where people lived in mansions, held dinner parties, danced and had a good time. So even though the Underworld was described as gloomy, it didn't lack glee and happiness. Ancestors of the deceased were reunited here which was ruled by Velnias and his wife Veliona. They were not only caretakers of the dead but also protectors of the living against unkind Spirits. They ensured safe passage for the spirits to return to their descendants on earth, at special times of the year. 

During this time, Lithuanians practiced both in earth burials and sky burials(cremation). Many neolithic graves were exhumed showing that the deceased was often buried in a fetal position ready for rebirth from the Earth Mothers womb. Deceased people were often unearthed, dressed in their best fineries and were often buried with the items from life that may be needed in the afterlife. 

Sky burials became more popular during this time with "the myth of Sovius" and is well worth studying. The myth was recorded in 1261 in the Malala Chronicle but I believe this myth to be much older and probably existed as verbal folklore for much longer. Through the myth of Sovius, we learn that Lithuanians also practiced Tree burials where the deceased is placed in a Tree. Was the deceased placed in a Tree in a Holy Grove?,Did it relate to a Tree cult where the Spirit of the deceased is expected to pass into the Tree?. We can only speculate as there are no written records of this practice. Sovius was believed to be a priest who made sky burials popular again as a common Indo European custom. As a result, Sovius is seen as reinstating the traditional practice of the Indo Europeans. Sovius was a very important figure who became a type of Psycho pomp for those who followed his footsteps and got cremated. It was believed that Sovius would help guide the deceased to the Underworld and protect them from unkind spirits. This made the figure of Sovius just as revered as a guide for the pre Christian Lithuanians as Jesus is for the Christians or Buddha is for the Buddhists.

I believe that the "Early beliefs" of Lithuanians are very different in many ways to the "Earliest beliefs". In the "Early beliefs" period, the narrative of the journey of the spirit of deceased person takes place in the sky as opposed to the Underworld as can be seen in the "Earliest and Earlier belief", periods. I can't say with any certainty, when this change occurred but it must have been a long time ago. Perhaps even thousands of years ago. The journey of the spirit is described as having to travel along the Milky Way(Birds Way) to the Moons gate where they are confronted by a tall, steep,sandy/glass/crystal mountain called "Anafiel" that must be climbed. It was found by archaeologists that bear claws or jars of fingernails were found in many neolithic graves which was believed to make this climb easier. The Spirit making this arduous journey would have to face strong winds blown by a wind deity who sat at the top of this hill. This deity was believed to judge the life lived and blow harder for undeserving spirits. It was believed that unworthy Spirits would be blown off the mountain, into the upper winds and the clouds below where they would wait to be reborn into new born babies. It was believed that this reincarnation would give them the opportunity to better themselves so that they maybe able to make the climb. 

The successful Spirit who makes the climb then sits on the "Bench of the Veles" to rest. After some time, the Spirit is then taken to a place called, "Dausos"(Paradise) in the realm of "Padange"(before heaven). This place is described as the homestead of Dievas(Sky God) where the weather is always pleasant and the work easy. The Spirit is reunited with their ancestors who inform them of the rules and how to avoid harm from unkind Spirits.

                                            ____________________

The veins of beliefs concerning the afterlife have changed over time and changes in funerary practices elude to this change. Even though the Lithuanian worldview has changed several times over the millennia, some fundamental truths remain constant. Lithuanians always had a strong belief in reincarnation, either into a form of nature or a continuation of life, in human form, alongside their ancestors. The belief that death was not an end to life is apparent in the numerous accounts of mass suicides of Lithuanian peoples. Accounts of the happenings at Pilenai castle where hundreds of people chose death over enslavement and loss of freedom. There are also other accounts in various chronicles of Lithuanian peoples choosing to kill themselves because of loss and grief over their deceased husbands and wished to be reunited with them. It is clear that Lithuanians had this unwavering belief in reincarnation and the fact that death is not an end to life.

I believe that Romuva teaches a very different narrative of the journey to the afterlife that indicates that there are 2 parts of the Spirit. One part of the Spirit called "the Veles"(Shade/Ghost) dwells in nature and the Soda(household straw representation of the Tree of Life. The other part of the Spirit called the "Sielos" goes on to Dausos or the Underworld. I have not found anything in Lithuanian folklore to substantiate this concept. I have even asked the community of Romuva, an Elder and the Krive of Romuva but no one was able to clarify anything to confirm the validity of this worldview. All I can gather is that this idea of having 2 parts to the  Spirit is an amalgamation of the various different beliefs of the past, to create a new philosophy.

In summary, when reviewing the different periods of Lithuanian beliefs which can be described as "Earliest, Earlier and Early", I don't believe that any period held the belief that death is an end to life. I don't know what's to come in my post mortem journey but perhaps the afterlife could be different for a Buddhist, Hindu, Christian or Muslim. Who knows? I don't think that I would end my own life but I can certainly imagine situations where I am terminally ill and want to die with dignity rather suffering at the hands of modern medicine. I have too much to live for right now and I think I would fight to live. Afterall, there is a Lithuanian belief that if a person takes their own life then their Spirit must remain on earth for the allotted time that their mortal body was destined to remain on earth.  

All I can do is live by the pre Christian ethics that I have come to know through Romuva and the worldview of my Lithuanian ancestors, which focuses on kindness to people and kindness to the Earth. I truly believe that expressing "Love" and harmony are the main goals in life. Love for yourself, Harmony in yourself, Love for your fellow human, Harmony with your community, Love for the Earth and Harmony with Her and all life that lives on Her. 

Kalendorinės Šventės: Kūčios, Kalėdos, Kupolės (Lithuanian Christmas Tra...

The place between land and water-The shore

The shore is a magical place,it is a transitional space between the worlds. The world of myth, the realm of the dead, the living and the life giving. Most people can relate to the sense of calm and peace sitting on the shore on a fine sunny day. Then there are times when I see Bangputis, the God of the Sea, angry creating a storm where massive crashing waves pound the hard rock of the shoreline, I am often filled with awe at the sight and experience a sense of clarity where all my concerns somehow seem to become clear.

The sea is a source of life for all beings on earth. The massive colonies of algae in the oceans of the world produce oxygen and the bounty of the oceans give us fish and crustaceans to eat. The never ending gift from the oceans to humankind is the air that we breathe and food in our bellies. Humankind would not even exist without the ocean and so since the dawn of time, from the deep,darkness of the ocean, humankind has created many stories and myths. These stories and myths live on today in various cultures and one such, is the Lithuanian culture where the shoreline features in several well known folk stories.

 Paraphrasing ancient folk tales can be tricky but I will attempt with some accuracy. The first tale is that of a handsome young fisherman name Kestytis. Fishing was so poor that ,against the protest of his dear wife, he went fishing at night. While Kestytis was fishing, he caught the attention of Jurate, the mermaid Goddess of the ocean. Jurate lived in a beautiful amber palace at the bottom of the sea and went to investigate who was disturbing her kingdom at night. Jurate watched Kestyis from a distance and fell in love with him. Jurate enticed Kestytis to join her in her amber palace and had some happy times together. Meanwhile Kestytis' wife waited on the shore for his return. Day after day, she waited and waited on that shore and cried many tears. The immense grief of Kestytis' wife caught the attention of the Sky God, Dievas and he felt sorry for her. Dievas was angry and in sensed that an immortal Goddess could possibly be with a mortal married man!! Dievas sent Perkunas, the Thunderer, to punish the wrong doing. Perkunas struck Jurates' amber palace with his lightning and shattered it into a million pieces. Jurate was chained to the ruins of her palace and Kestytis was killed and lay before Jurrate. Jurate cries tears of amber and her cries can be heard on the wind in storms. Even today,  pieces of Jurates' palace and her tears still wash up on the beaches today!!

The second tale is more complex and takes place on the shore of a lake. The tale of Egle(Fir) is one of the most well known folk tale in Lithuania which I will again paraphrase in an effort to relay it in this short article. Egle, (Fir) was the youngest of three sisters and 12 brothers and one day, after swimming in the lake, the three sisters returned to where their clothes lay. There was a snake curled up on the blouse of the youngest daughter. The snake spoke to her and said that he wouldn't move until the girl promised to marry him. All attempts to move the snake and it didn't move until the girl promised to marry him. Three days later, hundreds of snakes filled their yard and the match maker snakes came into the house to speak to Egles' parents but they couldn't believe that their youngest, most beautiful and beloved daughter could marry a snake so three times they tried to trick the matchmaker snakes into taking a white goose,then a white sheep and then a white cow. Each time, on returning to the lake, the matchmaker snakes were told that they'd been trick by a Cuckoo. After three times, the matchmaker snakes were quite angry and demanded that Egle be handed to them lest they'd burn their homestead down. Egles' parents conceded and with a heavy heart, let the matchmaker snakes take Egle to be wed. The snakes took Egle to the lake and was greeted by a handsome young man emerging from the waters. The young man said that he was the serpent king and was the same snake that Egle had promised to wed. Under the dark waters and deep into the earth, Egle was taken to the serpent kings' palace which was full of amber and all sorts of treasures. Egle and the serpent king were married and had a happy life together. They had 3 sons and one daughter named Oak,Ash,Birch and Poplar respectively. After many years Egle asks her husband if she can take their kids to visit her family. Egle missed them all so much but her husband, the serpent king didn't want her to go and set three impossible tasks before he would give his permission but with the help of an old wise woman, Egle managed to complete them and was finally given permission to visit for 9 days only and instructed how to call him when they returned. Egle returned and friends, family and neighbors came from near and far to see Egle. During her visit, Egles' brothers took out Oak, Ash and Birch. They didn't want Egle to leave them again and interrogated and even threatened the three brothers, Oak, Ash and Birch, to find out how to call the serpent king so they could kill him but they kept the secret safe. Egles' brothers went out with Poplar and once again interrogated and threatened her to find out the secret. Poplar was scared and told her uncles how to call the serpent king. The brothers then went to the lake and called the serpent king. When the serpent king emerged from the lake, the brothers fell upon him with their scythes and killed him. Egle went to the lake shore and realised that her husband had been killed because young Poplar divulged the secret. Oak, Ash and Birch were changed into strong trees because they were strong enough to keep the secret. Poplar was changed into the trembling Poplar tree that shakes and shimmers at the lightest breeze. Egle became a Fir tree but in Lithuania, Oak, Ash and Birch are the strongest trees.

I hope I have done justice to these archaic folk tales. My main aim is to reveal to the reader the importance the shore in the past through Lithuanian folktales and how it has helped to shape the worldview of Baltic peoples and I encourage all people today to also find harmony and balance on the shore through meditation, rite or just contemplation. The energy of the shore is a special place that we all can tap into if we allow it.