“Lithuanian national values reflected through spring customs and traditions” Kursenai Polytechnic School, Public Institution

March – 4 St. Kazimieras, Starlings Day

Starlings day – ancient Lithuanian festival, to glorify spring. In Lithuania some particular birds, named „kovarniai“ come back from south in March.

St. Kazimieras is Lithuanian guardian. In the streets of the old Town of Vilnius Kaziukas fair is held. It will gather the best Lithuanian weavers, blocksmiths, potters and other craftsmen and offer to buy their products.

Traditonal fair product – palm.

Easter is the most important Christian festival

The main accent of the festival is decorating, rolling and eating at least one egg, because the egg is the symbol of Vitality.

Mother‘s day in Lithuania is celebrated on the first Sunday in May

On this day children congratulate their mothers and try to do all the household duties. Mother‘s Day is celebrated not just in spring. Mother is synonymous with the earth. As she raises her children, the earth brings harvest.

April – 23 St. George's Day (Jore jure) A Lithuanian spring greenery festival

St. George's Day was important to farmers and horse herds. During that day it was popular to visit all the neighbours and wish them to have a great crop and, of course, health. Some people refuse to eat meat and fat that day and they eat only fish. Fish and bread were considered to be sacred St. George‘s Day meal.