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Country: Lithuania
Did You Know?
- Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence from the U.S.S.R.
- According to Lithuanian wedding tradition, the parents of the newlyweds meet the couple at the door of their new home with bread (representing the food necessary to support life), salt (representing future tears), and wine or water (representing joy).
- Sometimes referred to as Lithuanian gold, amber (fossilized tree sap) often washes up on the shores of the Baltic Sea. This gold-colored stone is used to make jewelry. Amber is Lithuania's national gemstone.
Language
Lithuanian is the country's official language, but it hasn't always been that way. Polish was the national language after the 13th century. When Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire in 1795, Russian was introduced and encouraged among Lithuanians. Furthermore, between 1864 and 1904, printing and teaching in Lithuanian was banned. Other languages such as Polish or Russian had to be used instead.
During Lithuania's years of independence (1918-1940), Lithuanian became the official language. However, when the Soviets took over in 1940, Russian became the main language in many areas of Lithuanian life. As a result, most Lithuanians today can speak Russian. In 1988, the government reinstituted Lithuanian as the national language. English and German are also popular languages.
Holidays
In many ways, Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day in Lithuania. During the day of December 24, people go without eating any meat. They clean their houses, prepare food, bathe, and put on clean clothes. In the evening (when the first star appears), the family gathers for a special 12-course meal (Kucios).
Hay (representing Christ's manger) is spread on the dining table, and a clean white tablecloth is put on top of the hay before the table is set. The 12 courses symbolize the apostles of Jesus Christ. After the meal, family members exchange gifts and play games. Kucios has special meaning for many Lithuanians because, during the Soviet era, such celebrations could only take place in secret. Even now, it is a very quiet and private occasion. Families attend Christmas Mass at midnight or early on Christmas Day.
Schools
Kids are required to attend school (primary and lower secondary levels) for 10 years. Then students may begin working, go to a school to learn a trade, or attend two years of secondary school at a gymnasium (similar to a high school). At a gymnasium, students study humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Education is provided for free at all levels. Russian and Polish ethnic minorities can attend schools where classes are taught in their language. Many children attend after-school activities, such as music schools, art classes, and sports. Playing music is a particularly popular activity, and students practice hard in order to join one of the many orchestras, folk groups, or pop groups. Students must pass very difficult exams if they hope to attend an institution of higher education in Lithuania.
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