Water in the calendar holidays of Lithuania

by Ugnė Stulpinaitė

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may

be made of the information contained therein

Introduction Since ancient times water has been

very important in human life. The role of water is significant and

substantial in Lithuanian holidays, traditions and celebrations.

Christmas Eve It is a day of thorough cleaning, both

inside and outside the house. After the day’s chores everybody must have a good bath. This ritual helps people to celebrate Christmas being clean, neat and without bad thoughts.

Easter On Easter morning the

pastors sanctify water. People take sanctified

water to their homes and sprinkle it on a house, food, animals and outdoors in order to protect them from the evil eye.

St. George's Day On St. George‘s Day, people took animals

outside for the first time, shepherds sprinkled holy water or just plain water.

While herding the animals, shepherds washed horses in lakes and rivers to make them strong and healthy.

Whit Sunday On Whit Sunday water was worshiped

because it is essential to awaken nature after her long winter sleep.

Until Whit Sunday people could not swim in the rivers and lakes because it was believed that evil spirit could appear.

St. John’s Day On St. John’s Day spells and magic acts

were performed by water or with water: Early in the morning, before sunrise,

people used to go to the rivers or lakes because they wanted to stay healthy all year.

It was believed that the harvest will be as good as the dew on St. John’s morning.

Rye Harvest Lithuanians used to have a tradition

to pour the harvesters over with the cold water when they returned from the fields after a hard work.

Water in Lithuanian fairy tails

In Lithuanian fairy tails a well has magical power: “when a stepdaughter falls into a well, she finds a new world”.

Conclusion Since old times, people have been

using water not only for personal everyday needs, it also has played a significant role in Lithuanian traditions, customs and celebrations.

Sources used The article by R. Tatariūnaitė "1995

Kalendorius visiems" 

   http://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lietuvi

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