|
|
|
| Current Issue |
|
|
| Resources |
|
|
|
A Lithuanian Christmas in America
| Article
# : |
15398 |
|
|
Section : |
CULTURE
|
| Issue
Date : |
12 / 1989 |
2,511 Words |
| Author
: |
Margrit Riesen
Margrit Riesen, a native of Switzerland, general manager of
The Other Americas Radio, is also a journalist and free-lance
writer. She is currently working on a book on children's
fiction. |
On Christmas Eve, Kuclos, the first star in the sky signals the end of Advent and the beginning of the Lithuanian Christmas celebration. The traditional Lithuanian Christmas, named Kaleos, is celebrated for several days and is the most important religious celebration after Easter.
Although Lithuanians living in the United States no longer adhere to all of the old customs, many folk-peasant traditions still shape the character of the Christmas celebration among Lithuanian Americans.
Like other traditions, the celebration of Christmas has evolved over time and is believed to be a combination of at least two separate events. On the one hand, Christmas is the religious festival celebrating the birth of Christ, the "Christ Mass." It also retains many of the characteristics of Yule, the mid-winter festival of the pre-Christian northern people rejoicing in the return of the sun with winter solstice.
Lithuanian traditions are rooted in Lithuanian peasant society, many dating back to pre-Christian times. In order to understand and manage the world they live in, people living off the land celebrate and ritualize nature's cycles, insuring the return of abundance. The Christmas celebration is no exception, and some background on the beliefs and structure of that peasant society will help shed light on today's customs.
Lithuanians were among the last Europeans to embrace Christianity--partly because of their geographical isolation from the rest of Europe--and their Christmas tradition, although steeped in Catholicism, retains some of its pre-Christian character.
For Lithuanians who came to the United States, the process of acculturation led to a modification of many of the old peasant ways. For those who settled in rural communities, that process was slower and less drastic than for those who moved to cities.
A dish for each apostle
In Lithuania, the Advent, the time of waiting for the birth of Christ, is marked by special prayers and fasting, a period during which people consume less dairy products and meats.
Christmas Eve day is spent in preparations for the evening feast, Kucios, and little other activity is allowed. Some activities are even considered bad
...
Read Full Article
Look for this article in Ask.com
|
|
