Šv. Velykos in Lithuania
Easter is a holiday in Lithuania. Easter is called Šv. Velykos in Lithuania
When is Easter in Lithuania
Easter is celebrated on 09, April, 2023 in Lithuania.
About Šv. Velykos in Lithuania
Šv. Velykos, also known as Easter, is a significant holiday in Lithuania. It is celebrated by the majority of the population, as Lithuania has a strong Catholic tradition. The holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered the most important event in the Christian calendar.
In Lithuania, Šv. Velykos is celebrated with a combination of religious and cultural traditions. The preparations for Easter begin on Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter. On this day, people attend church services and receive blessed palm branches, which they bring home and hang on their doors or in their homes to protect against evil spirits.
The Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, is a time of fasting and reflection for many Lithuanians. It is a period of intense religious observance, with daily church services and processions. Many people also participate in the Stations of the Cross, a devotional practice that commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion.
On Holy Thursday, the Last Supper is reenacted in churches, and the tradition of washing feet, symbolizing humility and service, is observed. Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection, with church services focusing on Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
Šv. Velykos Sunday is the main day of celebration. It begins with the traditional Easter Mass, which is attended by families dressed in their finest clothes. After the Mass, people gather for a festive breakfast, which typically includes traditional Lithuanian Easter dishes such as colored eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, and a sweet bread called “Velykų boba.”
One of the most popular Easter traditions in Lithuania is egg decorating. People dye eggs in various colors and patterns, often using natural ingredients such as onion skins or plants. These decorated eggs are then exchanged as gifts or used in various games and competitions.
Another unique Lithuanian Easter tradition is called “šventes,” which involves visiting friends and relatives to exchange Easter greetings. It is customary to bring a gift, such as a beautifully decorated egg or a small basket of treats, when visiting someone’s home.
Overall, Šv. Velykos is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection for Lithuanians. It combines religious observance with cultural traditions, bringing families and communities together to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
History of Šv. Velykos in Lithuania
Šv. Velykos, also known as Easter, is one of the most important holidays in Lithuania. It has a deep-rooted history and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditions. Here is a brief overview of the history of Šv. Velykos holiday in Lithuania:
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Introduction of Christianity: The history of Šv. Velykos in Lithuania dates back to the introduction of Christianity in the country. In the 14th century, Lithuania’s Grand Duke Jogaila converted to Christianity, and the country gradually adopted the Christian faith.
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Pagan traditions: Before the Christianization of Lithuania, the pagan population celebrated the spring equinox with various rituals and traditions. These included the worship of the goddess of spring, Austėja, and the celebration of the rebirth of nature. Many of these pagan customs were later integrated into the Christian celebration of Easter.
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Christianization of Easter: With the spread of Christianity, the celebration of Easter was introduced to Lithuania. It became an important religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The traditions associated with Easter, such as the decorating of eggs and the baking of special Easter bread called “margučiai” or “margučiai” (in Lithuanian), were adopted by the Lithuanians.
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Soviet Era: During the Soviet era, religious practices were suppressed, and Easter celebrations were limited. However, many Lithuanians continued to celebrate Easter in secret or with modified traditions. It was a time when families gathered to share a festive meal and exchange painted eggs.
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Post-Soviet Independence: After Lithuania regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, the celebration of Easter regained its popularity and religious significance. Churches became more accessible, and people openly practiced their faith. Easter processions, church services, and other religious events became an integral part of the holiday.
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Modern Traditions: Today, Šv. Velykos is celebrated with a combination of Christian and pagan traditions. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week, during which various religious rituals and processions take place. Families gather for a festive meal on Easter Sunday, which typically includes traditional dishes like ham, kugelis (potato pudding), and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
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Egg Decoration: One of the most popular traditions during Šv. Velykos is egg decoration. Lithuanians beautifully decorate eggs using various techniques, including wax resist, dyeing, and scratching. These decorated eggs, known as “margučiai,” are often exchanged as gifts or used in games and competitions.
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Easter Monday: In Lithuania, Easter Monday is also celebrated as a public holiday. It is known as “Velykos antroji diena” or “Antrasis Velykų dienos” (in Lithuanian). On this day, people often visit their relatives and friends, continuing the festive celebrations.
Overall, Šv. Velykos in Lithuania is a significant holiday that combines religious and pagan traditions. It is a time for family gatherings, religious observances, and the celebration of spring and new beginnings.
How is Easter celebrated in Lithuania
Šv. Velykos, also known as Easter, is one of the most important religious holidays in Lithuania. It is celebrated with various traditions and customs. Here is how Šv. Velykos is celebrated in Lithuania:
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Preparations: Leading up to Šv. Velykos, people clean their homes thoroughly and decorate them with Easter symbols such as colorful eggs, birch branches, and flowers.
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Palm Sunday: The Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. People attend church services and bring home blessed palm branches, which are believed to protect the household from evil spirits.
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Holy Thursday: On this day, the Last Supper is commemorated. Families gather for a festive dinner, which traditionally includes dishes like Easter eggs, ham, sausages, and various pastries.
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Good Friday: This day is observed as a day of mourning and reflection. Many people attend church services and participate in the Stations of the Cross, which symbolize Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion.
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Holy Saturday: In the evening, people gather in churches for the Easter Vigil. The highlight of this service is the lighting of the Easter candle, which represents the resurrection of Jesus. After the service, people bring the lit candle home to bless their households.
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Easter Sunday: This is the main day of celebration. Families gather for a festive breakfast or lunch, which typically includes traditional dishes like Easter eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, and various baked goods. The eggs are often dyed in different colors and decorated with various patterns.
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Egg Rolling: After the meal, people engage in a popular tradition called “rėžimas,” where hard-boiled eggs are rolled down a slope or hill. The egg that rolls the furthest without breaking is believed to bring good luck.
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Easter Monday: This day is known as “Velykų antroji diena” or “Šv. Velykų antradienis.” It is a public holiday, and people often visit their relatives and friends, continuing the celebrations.
Throughout the Easter season, various cultural events, concerts, and fairs take place across Lithuania. These events showcase traditional crafts, music, and dance, allowing people to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Dates
Easter will be celebrated in Lithuania on 2023-04-09, 2024-03-31, 2025-04-20, 2026-04-05, 2027-03-28 in the comming years.