we propose celebrating
Užgavėnės or Mardi Gras
Some traditions date back thousands of years
Mardi Gras or Traditional Shrovetide Carnival is still being celebrated in Europe. However, only a few countries maintained the archaic traditions, authentic masks and foods. Originating from deep agricultural traditions, the winter carnival was meant to improve fertility. During the centuries it was that one day of the year when people could dress up and become unalike characters and act wild or out-of-the-way.
In the Christian tradition it is known as Shrove Tuesday and marks the 46 days period of contemplation and fasting before Easter.
Pick Your Carnival
Customs And Folklore On Mardi Gras
1
Eat greasy foods 6-12 times per day. The most popular dish is pancakes (blynai). Get a mask or preferably a jazzy costume and become a witch, a bear, a goat, a stork, death etc.
2
Wearing flashy masks, parade from house to house asking for money or sweet treats and as an exchange amuse people singing songs and playing instruments.
3
Parade from house to house, asking for money or sweet treats as an exchange amusing people by songs, instruments and costumes.
4
Participate in a leading celebration where Lašininis ("Porky") personifying winter, and Kanapinis ("Hempen Man") personifying spring, perform a battle. The festivity has a culminating accent – - Morė (the symbol of winter embodying the darkest time of the year) is burned.
5
Chants of the day: "Ziema ziema bėk iš kiemo" and "Šalta ziema salin eina, jau pavasaris ateina".
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