🇱🇹 Lithuania
Lithuania is a country located in northeastern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the south, and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest. Lithuania has an area of about 65,300 square kilometers and a population of about 2.8 million people. Its capital and largest city is Vilnius.
Lithuania has a rich and complex history, dating back to the 13th century. From the 13th to the 18th century, Lithuania was a powerful state that included much of present-day Lithuania, Latvia, and parts of Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. In the late 18th century, Lithuania was annexed by Russia, and it remained part of the Russian Empire until the end of the First World War.
After the war, Lithuania declared its independence and became a republic, but it was soon occupied by the Soviet Union. Lithuania remained under Soviet control until 1990, when it declared its independence once again and became a parliamentary democracy.
Since then, Lithuania has made significant progress in developing its economy and has become a member of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Eurozone. It has a diverse culture, with influences from its neighboring countries and its history. Lithuanian is the official language and the currency is Euro.
Lithuania Popular Food
#Cepelinai #Kugelis #Kastinys #Skilandis #Bulviniai Blynai #Saltibarsciai #Vėdarai
Lithuania Travel Taboo
Lithuania is a welcoming and friendly country, but as with any destination, it is important to be aware of and respect local customs and traditions in order to avoid causing offense or breaking taboos. Some things to keep in mind when traveling in Lithuania include:
- Dress Code: Lithuanians dress relatively conservatively, so it's best to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or more rural areas.
- Religion: The majority of Lithuania's population is Roman Catholic, so it is important to be respectful of religious customs and traditions, for example, by removing hats and covering shoulders when entering a church.
- Greeting: In Lithuania, it is common to shake hands when greeting someone, but close friends and family may greet each other with a hug or kiss on the cheek.
- Alcohol: Lithuanians generally drink more than other European cultures, but it's best to avoid excessive drinking and behaving in a way that may be considered offensive or disruptive.
- Politics: Lithuania is a country with a relatively stable political environment and it's best to avoid discussing sensitive political or controversial issues with strangers.
- Nature and Outdoor: Lithuania is known for its beautiful landscapes and nature, and it is important to respect these areas. It is forbidden to pick plants, or engage in activities that damage the environment. Also, it is important to follow marked hiking trails and not to leave any trash behind.
- Photography: Be respectful of local customs and it is best to ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially in rural areas and inside buildings like museums, and churches.
- Tipping: Tipping is common practice in Lithuania, usually rounding up to the nearest whole number or leaving small change is enough.
- Language: Lithuanian is the official language and while many people speak English, it's best to learn a few basic phrases in Lithuanian as it is polite and can be helpful to communicate with locals.
- It's always a good idea to ask locals if you are unsure about anything.
Lithuania Local Food
Lithuania is known for its delicious and traditional cuisine, which reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its history of agriculture and trade. Some popular Lithuanian dishes include:
- Cepelinai: Kugelis, Skilandis and Kastinys are considered staple dishes in Lithuania and they're often served in traditional restaurants and during special events.
- Kugelis: a traditional dish made of potato and bacon, often served as a side dish
- Kastinys: a traditional spread made from sour cream and butter, often served with bread.
- Skilandis: traditional cold-smoked sausage made from pork, traditionally served sliced and cold
- Bulviniai Blynai: Potato pancakes, it's a traditional dish made from grated potatoes, served with sour cream or mushroom sauce.
- Saltibarsciai: cold beetroot soup, it's a traditional soup made from sour cream, beetroot, and dill, often served chilled during summer.
- Vėdarai: traditional Lithuanian sausage made from pig's intestines and barley, and often served as a side dish
Lithuania Festiaval
Lithuania has a rich cultural heritage and many festivals that reflect its traditions, customs, and history. Some examples include:
- St. Casimir's Day: celebrated on March 4th, it honors Saint Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania, and it's a national holiday. It's celebrated with traditional music and dancing, games, and bonfires.
- Easter: celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon in spring, it's one of the most important religious holidays in Lithuania, and it's celebrated with traditional customs and rituals, such as decorating eggs and lighting fires.
- Užgavėnės: celebrated on the last day of carnival season before the Christian fasting period of Lent, it's a traditional celebration of the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It's marked by costumes, parades, and the burning of a straw effigy.
- Kaziuko mugė: held annually in February or March in Vilnius, it's a traditional folk art and craft fair where visitors can find a variety of souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional food.
- Kaunas Jazz Festival: held annually in October, it's one of the most important jazz festivals in Lithuania and it features local and international jazz musicians
- Vilnius Festival: held annually in June and July, it's a festival of classical music, theater, and dance, and it features local and international performers in various venues throughout the city of Vilnius
Lithuania History
Lithuania is a country located in northeastern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It has a rich and complex history, dating back to the 13th century.
- The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was established in the 13th century and it quickly became one of the largest and most powerful medieval states in Europe, comprising present-day Lithuania, parts of Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was formed by the union of Lithuanian and Ruthenian tribes under the rule of the Gediminids dynasty. The Grand Duchy was a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state.
- In the 16th century, the Grand Duchy became a major European power and a leading center of the Renaissance. During this period, Lithuania expanded its territory, and it reached its peak in the late 16th century under the rule of the Vasa dynasty.
- In the late 18th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was dissolved, and Lithuania was annexed by the Russian Empire, this marked the end of the Lithuanian statehood for over a century. During this time, the Russian Empire implemented a policy of russification, which aimed to assimilate the Lithuanians, and Lithuanian language and culture were suppressed.
- After the First World War, Lithuania declared its independence, and it became a republic, but it was soon occupied by the Soviet Union. Lithuania remained under Soviet control until 1990, when it declared its independence once again and became a parliamentary democracy.
- Since then, Lithuania has made significant progress in developing its economy, and it has become a member of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Eurozone. The country has a diverse culture, with influences from its neighboring countries and its history. Lithuanian is the official language, and the currency is Euro.