Paper short abstract:

The paper focuses on symbols which organize the ritual of Lithuanian Independence Day performance space outside the dwellings and inside. Similarities and differences of symbols will be revealed as well as transformations of ritual from dynamic to static nature and vice versa in time perspective.

Paper long abstract:

The paper focuses on symbols which organize the ritual of Lithuanian Independence Day performance space outside the dwellings and inside in the perspective of time.

From the first Independence anniversary in 1919 the ritual was dynamic and dedicated for the space outside the dwellings, which has been organized by certain symbols (state emblem, flag, Lithuanian rulers' portraits etc.). 10th anniversary of Independence in 1928 made some adjustments to this ritual. Several hundred ornate monuments (Independence Monuments) were built throughout Lithuania in this year. They immediately became the main signs indicating the place of ritual space and symbolized a new way of dwelling in a free state. Meanwhile, inside the dwellings the celebration of the Day had a static nature and was not significant. Home as a "safe" and "own" place became significant in the Soviet era, when the festival was forced to move into a private space of the dwellings as under the Soviet occupation all Lithuanian national holidays were banned. Today ritual and symbols of this celebration are concentrated outside the dwellings. Home space remains important for passive participants of the festival.

The report will reveal how symbols help organize ritual space and will show similarities and differences of symbols used in the ritual outside the dwellings and inside. It will be revealed the importance of them in the interwar period and how much they are still relevant. Also transformations of ritual from dynamic to static nature and vice versa in time perspective will be discussed.