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Paper short abstract:

The paper examines the understanding and transformation process of traditional Lithuanian calendar as well as the life cycle holidays in Lithuania during 2nd part of 20th c. – the beginning of 21st c. The influence of cultural institutions regulating and creating process of festivities is discussed.

Paper long abstract:

The paper analyzes re-constructed and newly constructed calendar and life cycle rituals in the period of 2nd half of 20th c. – the beginning of 21st c. The aim of the paper is to examine the main trends of the regulation process of holidays, including newly constructed holidays and their metamorphosis over nearly half a century in Lithuania. The study is based on content and comparative analysis of published and archival documents.

We analyze the way Lithuanian people were induced to celebrate calendar holidays formed as civic rituals, which were made part of public life under the Soviet regime. Over more than fifty years Lithuanian traditional holidays have undergone various changes. The idea to reinterpret ritual calendar holidays according to Soviet ideological propaganda generated as part of the plan to transform history. During the Soviet period, the festivities did not tolerate religious motives and appropriate secular scenarios for traditional holidays were created.

From 1990 until now elements of pre-Christian religion prevail. New festivals supposedly associated with an old tradition have been introduced. For more than 80 years these were regulated by the Lithuanian National Culture Center (established in 1941) and its subordinate organizations. Specific aspects of traditional ethnic holidays are used to reduce the importance of the Christian religion in rituals and to emphasize the pre-Christian religious tradition.