Paper short abstract:

The presentation will delay with the roots of the sensitiveness of the Lithuanian nation to the surrounding nature, especially, with the close relations between man and trees. Forest as the main factor of the Lithuanian landscape remained in the memory of the nation until the end of the XIX century when the movement of the national rebirth started. The power and the beauty of the wild nature are well reflected in the Lithuanian art, music and literature. Wooden carvings of the saints raised in the trees can be met often even in present days Lithuania. From the ancient times forest protected, nourished and dressed our ancestors. Furthermore, it was believed that goods also lived in the forests.

Paper long abstract:

The presentation will delay with the roots of the sensitiveness of the Lithuanian nation to the surrounding nature, especially, with the close relations between man and trees. Lithuanian farms often looks like a little forest. It is very functional of course. Trees growing around the farm protected it from the strong wind in winter. But maybe we can presuppose that the Lithuanians feels very god himself in the surrounding of the uncultivated trees. Forest as the main factor of the Lithuanian landscape remained in the memory of the nation until the end of the XIX century when the movement of the national rebirth started. The power and the beauty of the wild nature are well reflected in the Lithuanian art, music and literature.

Wooden carvings of the saints raised in the trees can be met often even in present days Lithuania. Exclusive trees by their thickness, age, form of corona, growing in crossroads, near ancient burial places often could be decorated in such specific way. This phenomenon reflects a very characteristic trait of Lithuanian traditional culture - close relationship with nature. From the ancient times forest protected, nourished and dressed our ancestors. Furthermore, it was believed that goods also lived in the forests. At the beginning of the 20th century, people still believed that the spirits of the dead lived in the trees. The places of the previous sacred forests remain in the communal memory of the people until nowadays.