Naujieji metai in Lithuania
Naujieji metai is a holiday in Lithuania.
When is Naujieji metai in Lithuania
Naujieji metai is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in Lithuania.
About Naujieji metai in Lithuania
Naujieji metai, also known as New Year’s Eve, is a major holiday in Lithuania. It is celebrated on December 31st, the last day of the year. Many Lithuanians attend parties and gatherings with friends and family to ring in the new year.
Traditionally, Lithuanians prepare a special meal for Naujieji metai, which includes dishes such as herring, sausages, and potatoes. They also decorate their homes with festive decorations, such as lights and ornaments.
At midnight, fireworks are set off to mark the beginning of the new year. Many people also make resolutions for the coming year and exchange gifts with loved ones.
In some parts of Lithuania, there are also traditions associated with Naujieji metai. For example, in the city of Vilnius, people dress up in costumes and go out into the streets to celebrate. In other parts of the country, people may visit cemeteries to pay their respects to deceased loved ones.
Overall, Naujieji metai is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings in Lithuania.
History of Naujieji metai in Lithuania
Naujieji metai, or New Year’s Day, has been celebrated in Lithuania since ancient times. In pagan times, the winter solstice was celebrated as the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. It was a time of purification, when people would cleanse their homes and themselves of negative energy and prepare for the coming year.
With the spread of Christianity in Lithuania, the celebration of Naujieji metai became associated with the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, which is celebrated on January 1st. The holiday was also known as the Feast of St. Basil, who was a popular saint in Lithuania.
During the Soviet era, the celebration of Naujieji metai was discouraged, as it was seen as a religious holiday. However, after Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the holiday was revived and is now celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Today, Naujieji metai is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. It is also a time for reflection and setting goals for the coming year. Many people in Lithuania attend church services on New Year’s Day, and some also participate in traditional pagan rituals, such as burning a Yule log or jumping over a bonfire to symbolize leaving behind the old year and welcoming the new.
How is Naujieji metai celebrated in Lithuania
Naujieji metai, or New Year’s Eve, is celebrated in Lithuania with various traditions and customs. Here are some of the most common ways to celebrate:
-
Family gatherings: Lithuanians usually celebrate Naujieji metai with their families. They gather together for a festive dinner, exchange gifts, and watch fireworks.
-
Countdown: On the stroke of midnight, Lithuanians count down the seconds until the New Year begins. They usually do this while holding hands and singing traditional Lithuanian songs.
-
Bonfires: In some parts of Lithuania, people light bonfires to celebrate Naujieji metai. This tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
-
Fireworks: Fireworks are a common way to celebrate Naujieji metai in Lithuania. People gather in public squares or near their homes to watch the colorful displays.
-
Drinking and eating: Lithuanians enjoy drinking and eating during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Traditional Lithuanian dishes like kugelis (potato pudding) and cepelinai (potato dumplings) are often served, along with champagne and other alcoholic beverages.
Overall, Naujieji metai is a time for Lithuanians to come together with family and friends, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the coming year.
Dates
Naujieji metai will be celebrated in Lithuania on 2023-01-01 2024-01-01 2025-01-01 2026-01-01 2027-01-01 in the comming years.