Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania
New Year’s Day is a holiday in Lithuania. New Year’s Day is called Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania
When is New Year’s Day in Lithuania
New Year’s Day is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in Lithuania.
About Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania
Naujųjų metų diena, also known as New Year’s Day, is a public holiday celebrated in Lithuania on January 1st each year. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for people to come together and celebrate.
On this day, Lithuanians often spend time with their family and friends, enjoying festive meals and exchanging gifts. Many people also attend parties or public events to ring in the new year with fireworks, music, and dancing.
One popular tradition during Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania is the “šventinis stalas” or festive table. Families prepare a special meal, which typically includes traditional Lithuanian dishes such as kūčiukai (small sweet bread bites), fish, sauerkraut, and various desserts. It is believed that the food served on this day should be abundant and diverse to ensure prosperity and good luck in the coming year.
In addition to the festive meals, some Lithuanians also participate in outdoor activities on New Year’s Day. They might take a walk in nature, visit parks, or engage in winter sports like ice skating or skiing, depending on the weather conditions.
Another common practice on Naujųjų metų diena is making resolutions for the new year. Many people take this time to reflect on their goals and aspirations, and they make a list of things they want to achieve or improve in the coming year. These resolutions can range from personal development goals to health and fitness objectives.
Overall, Naujųjų metų diena is a festive and joyful holiday in Lithuania, where people come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year, enjoy delicious food, and spend quality time with loved ones.
History of Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania
Naujųjų metų diena, also known as New Year’s Day, is a widely celebrated holiday in Lithuania. The history of this holiday can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions, which were later influenced by Christian customs.
In ancient times, the Lithuanians celebrated the winter solstice, known as the “return of the sun,” which marked the beginning of longer days and the end of winter. This celebration was called “Kaledos” and was an important event in the pagan calendar. People would gather around bonfires, feast, and exchange gifts to ensure good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
With the spread of Christianity in Lithuania, the celebration of Kaledos gradually merged with Christian traditions. The adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 shifted the celebration of New Year’s Day from the spring equinox to January 1st. This change aligned the holiday with the Christian feast day of the Circumcision of Christ and the naming of Jesus.
During the Soviet era, the celebration of New Year’s Day became even more significant as Christmas was suppressed by the Communist regime. The Soviet government discouraged religious celebrations, so New Year’s Day became the main holiday for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. The Soviet influence can still be seen in many Lithuanian New Year’s traditions, such as the decoration of a “New Year’s tree” (similar to a Christmas tree) and the appearance of Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) as gift-bringers.
After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the celebration of Christmas regained its popularity, but New Year’s Day remains an important holiday. It is a time for family reunions, parties, and fireworks displays. Many people also make resolutions for the upcoming year and celebrate with traditional Lithuanian dishes, such as kūčiukai (small sweet bread) and poppy seed milk.
Overall, Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania has evolved from ancient pagan celebrations to a fusion of pagan, Christian, and Soviet traditions. It continues to be a time of joy, hope, and new beginnings for the people of Lithuania.
How is New Year’s Day celebrated in Lithuania
Naujųjų metų diena, or New Year’s Day, is celebrated with various traditions and customs in Lithuania. Here are some common ways in which it is celebrated:
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New Year’s Eve Parties: Many people gather with friends and family to celebrate the arrival of the new year. These parties often include music, dancing, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere.
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Midnight Countdown: Just like in many other countries, Lithuanians eagerly await the stroke of midnight to welcome the new year. As the clock strikes twelve, people exchange greetings, hugs, and kisses, and toast with champagne or other beverages.
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Fireworks: Fireworks displays are a popular way to celebrate the New Year in Lithuania. Many cities organize public fireworks shows, and individuals also light their own fireworks to mark the occasion.
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Traditional Foods: Special meals are prepared for New Year’s Day, often featuring traditional Lithuanian dishes. These may include kūčiukai (small sweet pastries), poppy seed milk, herring, sausages, and various desserts.
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First Visit: Another tradition involves the “first visit” on New Year’s Day. People visit their family, friends, and neighbors to exchange greetings, well-wishes, and small gifts. It is considered good luck to be the first visitor to someone’s home.
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Resolutions and Predictions: Like in many other countries, Lithuanians often make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves or their lives in the coming year. Additionally, some people engage in fortune-telling activities to predict what the future holds for them.
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Watching New Year’s Programs: Many people in Lithuania watch special New Year’s programs on television. These programs often include music performances, comedy sketches, and various entertainment segments.
Overall, Naujųjų metų diena in Lithuania is a time for celebration, reflection, and spending time with loved ones. It is a festive occasion marked by parties, fireworks, traditional foods, and well-wishes for the upcoming year.
Dates
New Year’s Day 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.
