All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Lithuania

THE DAY FOR CELEBRATING THE DEAD in LITHUANIA – November 1st

In Lithuania, remembrance of the dead took place during all annual feast days. Come autumn, when all work was done, Lithuanians carried out special rituals honoring the souls of their dead ancestors.
The ritual traditions of the dead were directly related to peoples' belief that on that day the souls of the dead return to earth, to their homes. All 16th and 19th century writings single out hospitality shown to the souls of the dead. According to M.Strijovskis, during this feast people gathered in cemeteries, where women sobbed and lamented over their men, remembering their valor, honesty and good habits. Afterwards the women prepared plentiful suppers. The Kuronians, Ziemgals, Prussians, remembering their dead would go straight from church to a tavern, where they brewed beer, women brought baskets filled with cold, cooked and baked fish, which was eaten without knives. Portions of food and drink were poured under the table.
M.Pretorijus writing about traditions of Westernmost Lithuania said: " the soul of the dead cannot rest if the table is not set". Historian T.Narbutas, writes in the 19th century that on the eve of the Day of the Dead, father gathered the family around the table and recited this prayer: " dear souls of the dead, you are still remembered by the members of my family, you are most worthy of our perpetual remembrance, especially you, my grandparents, my parents, also our relatives, children and everyone whom death took away from our home. I invite you to this annual feast. We wish that this feast is agreeable to you, just like memory of all of you, is to us ''. After a short silence, father asks everyone to sit at the table and eat. Food was eaten in silence.
At the beginning of the 19th century, in the district of Noèia, county of Lyda, Lithuanians prepared twelve different dark foods. People gathered around the table quietly. It was believed that the souls of the dead partook of the meal together with the living members. Even at the beginning of the 20th century, in some parts of Lithuania, an assortment of foods was brought to cemeteries at the beginning of November and left there. Upon returning home from the cemetery, all family members went to wash in the bathhouse. Supper of seven different foods of meat, grains and eggs was prepared and the table was set in a room with windows and doors open wide. The oldest person picked up a candle, circled it around his head and three times around the food then lit it and set it on the table. Everyone spilled a portion of his drink, where no one sat at the corner of the table, saying, " this is for you, dear souls". An assortment of foods was also placed on that corner of the table and then everyone began to eat.
On All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, year after year, Lithuanian gravesites are decorated with most beautiful flowers and burning candles.

Rima Stongviliene,

Velzys gymnasium

Visiting classes in the Lithuanian school

During the meeting in Lithuania, we had a very busy and interesting program. We had some technical sessions at school, where we planned the schedule for the second project year. We discussed details about the end products that have to be finished this year.

We visited the school and the teachers of English from partner countries held some English lessons with the Lithuanian students based on a plan our hosts prepared. Each teacher was required by the coordinator to write her/his activity and impressions from the classes they visited. There were also some school headmasters, who exchanged best practices in school management. Here are their comments about the classes they visited and what they saw:

George Ivanov, Vice-headmaster from Bulgaria: I visited a lesson of Russian language. I met the teacher of Russian language and her students. I took the students on an imaginary trip to Bulgaria, using the map and the PPT presentation I had prepared, about the history, geography, economy of Bulgaria and about the school where I work, V. Levschi secondary school from Ruse. After that, I wrote some words in Bulgarian and Russian languages on the blackboard. The children could find some differences between the two languages. I also explained to them the importance of our Comenius project “Ethno Treasure Hunt” and invited the students to learn foreign languages to be able to find friends around the world and communicate with them. The lesson was a good example of friendship between the two countries: Bulgaria and Lithuania within the Comenius project.

Rosa Crupi, Headmistress from Italy: Our hosts offered us a very good welcome and organization of activities. I noticed that they have a very calm school atmosphere. The students are attentive and they are interested in learning. I have seen very interesting creative hand wrought activities at school. The end results of the students’ activities were exhibited in the school hall. The school structure is very suitable and equipped. The civil authorities (from the city and region) are very attentive and get involved in organizing the cultural activities of the school. The families got actively involved in the activities organized for the hosting of the project meeting.

Joanna Wilczyńska, Teacher of English from Poland: Me, Dorota and Ȫzgür attended a lesson with the 12^th grade students. It was an English lesson during which we communicated in English. The Polish team presented the Lithuanian students with a quiz about Poland. Later on, we evaluated this and gave prizes to the winners of the quiz competition. We also distributed leaflets connected with our city Lodz and taught them a few Polish tongue-twisters. The second part of the lesson was devoted to the introduction of Turkey by Ȫzgür. He asked the students what they knew about Turkey and its religion, culture and traditions. Later on, he played some Turkish traditional tunes on his recorder. The students were eager to respond, co-operative and their language competence was far beyond our expectations. We produced a nice friendly motivating atmosphere among them and encouraged them to study other foreign languages. We also presented them the advantages of working in the Lifelong Learning Programme: Comenius, Erasmus and Grundtvig. I assessed the students highly and reported on the lesson to their class mistress, Rasa. All in all, the lesson was a great success and pleasure for both students and teachers. Later on, together with Dorota and Lucian Paul (from Romania), I participated in an English lesson with the 5^th grade students. Although the students are young, they were very active and communicative. They responded to our requests, answered questions well and politely. The discipline was astonishing. Their positive attitude towards teachers and motivation to work were amazing. We made a Polish – Romanian knowledge quiz. Most students had a good command of English, but some things about our countries were new to them. We conducted a feedback after the quiz and passed to a game activity to familiarize with the kids and teach them a cultural element. They responded tremendously great and were happy to play the game. During the game, Dorota checked the quizzes. After the game, teachers disseminated the results of the quiz and awarded the students with hand-made prizes. All the kids tasted Polish candies and received leaflets and bookmarks presenting the city of Lodz, where the Polish teachers came from. In general, the lesson was wonderful and the goals were achieved.

Ozgür Boyacı, Teacher of English from Turkey: I visited 3^rd, 5^th and 12^th grades. In 3^rd grade class, the teacher of this class showed the students some information about Turkey on the data projector. He told the students where I came from. (As the teacher (Jonas) and the students are interested in folk dance, I showed them pictures of folk dance groups from Turkey. And I played some tunes on my flute. In the 5^th grade I was with the Romanian teacher, Daniela. I sang songs with the kids and played my flute for them. In the 12^th grade, my partner Joanna, made a quiz for the students. I lectured them about my country, the climate, the religion and our culture, to raise their awareness about Turkey. And I also played some Turkish melodies with my flute.

 Seval Ilemin Yontem, Teacher of English from Turkey: First, I was in the 7^th grade with Daniela. It was really a great experience for me because this was my first time to be with such young students. They enjoyed the songs Daniela taught them. It was also different for me, as I learnt a new way to play with my 11^th & 12^th grade students. Then, Semra and I joined the 9^th grade, which was more familiar to me, as I am used to lecture grades 10 to 12 in my school. The Geography teacher of that class prepared a slide show about Turkey and had shown it to his students before our visit. That was well prepared and it showed our main cultural characteristics. Then, we showed our slides about our traditions, culture and history. After that presentation, we handed the students some worksheets with crossword puzzles about the main points of our presentation. They enjoyed it, and it was amazing for us to see that they had no difficulty in finding the correct answers about Turkey. That was really beneficial for the students and hilarious for us.

Semra Malhatun, Teacher of English from Turkey: It was a great experience with the Lithuanian students. In the fourth lesson, Seval and I had a chance to have a lecture with some 9^th grade students. The Geography teacher gave them some basic information about Turkey, in order to warm them up. Then, he let us show our slides. We tried to teach them some things about the Turkish tradition, cuisine, origin, etc., through these slides. The students were very eager to learn about these and this made us and them feel joy. After the slide show, we handed them a crossword puzzle and the students did it successfully. It was a great pleasure for us to be with them.

Nina Morabito and Domenica Crupi, Teachers of English from Italy: We went to three classrooms and our aim was to make students communicate and exchange information about both our countries: Italy and Lithuania. Students were interested in Italian culture and tradition. They asked about Italian teenagers, about what they do in their free time and the subjects they study at school.  Talking about sports, we learnt that Lithuanian students prefer to play basketball comparing to Italian students who are crazy about football. We appreciate the work of the Lithuanian teachers who made their students involved in this Comenius project and made them aware of our culture and traditions. Our headmistress Rosa Crupi and another teacher, Linda Cigala, visited 2 classrooms in the primary school in order to exchange experiences and best practices. Rosa congratulated the students and teachers for the organization of the institution and for the involvement of the students in the project and the activities planned.

Daniela Buda, Teacher of English from Romania: Together with Seval, from Turkey, I went first to meet a 7^th grade class. They did not ask too many questions about Romania, as they hosted the Romanian students visiting them and they knew some things about our country. Two of the students from this class, Ieva and Jovita, had visited Romania during the first project meeting, in November 2010, and they told their colleagues some things about our culture. They asked a few questions about Turkey and Seval answered them. Then I taught them some songs in English and they had a lot of fun. I always teach my students songs in order to motivate them to learn English. They also sang some songs in Lithuanian and my students joined them, as they, too, knew those songs. It has been a new experience for Seval, too, as she has never taught younger students. She has only worked with high school students so far. The next lesson I attended was with a 5^th grade class, together with Ȫzgür. In the first part I showed the students where Romania lies on the map of Europe and where Baia Mare lies on the map of Romania. I also showed them the drawings my students made for them, representing a traditional house, traditional costumes from Maramures region, and some drawings representing the celebration of Christmas in Romania. Ȫzgür told them some information about Turkey. Then I taught them some games and songs in English and Ȫzgür played some Turkish tunes on his recorder. In the end, we offered the students some Romanian sweets I had brought with me. The students enjoyed learning about the Romanian and Turkish cultures and also learning some English songs that made the lesson more fun. I think my objectives were achieved for both lessons and the students learned how important it is to learn foreign languages.

Feedback for the meeting in Lithuania

"Lithuania! My homeland!" These words were once spoken by Adam Mickiewicz, the greatest Polish poet and the patron of our school in Lodz. Now, after 8 days of staying here with friends, I can say the same: Lithuania is my second homeland. I've felt at home here. I've shared my tears, my laughs, my songs, my sweets, my jokes, my company with people I love and respect.
It was a splendid time full of amazing views, good organization, tasty dishes, interesting talks and warm hospitality. One cannot say any more that northern countries are cold because we were surrounded by warm people. I will always miss the happy moments I spent here.
Thank you all, namely: Rima, Renata, Rasa, Lina, Jurgita, Jonas and the Lithuanian Princiipal! You made all our days!
See you again in Bulgaria!
Asia and Dorota, teachers from Poland

Dear Ethno treasure hunt family 
I am glad that I joined this family. The people in this family are so lively, pretty and friendly. We made good friends here, found similarities and differences in our cultures and figured out that we are very much alike. It helped me to break down my prejudices. Unlike the weather in this country, the people are very warm. I am very happy that I came to this beautiful country.
Selin Nur Özdemir, student from Turkey


The best thing I like in this project is that people can communicate well and share their cultural values. Although I suffered from cold, meeting new people, tasting different cuiseines, visiting new places and exploring the cultures were great fro me.
Dilga Sila Davulcu, student from Turkey


A happy trip got us together in Lithuania. Rainy days, cold nights, but warm friendship, nice places, interesting churches and Lithuanian hospitality ... all of them impressed us.
 From our pint of view, there are lots of similarities between Turkish and Lithuanian cultures. That's why we felt here as we were at home. We even had the chance to live the ancient times by wearing the traditional costumes, making bread and taking part in traditional dances.  Everything we had was wonderful and had special meanings for us.
Seval and Semra, Teachers from Turkey


From the moment our Lithuanian friends met us at the airport, I am impressed by their perfect organizational skills and very good teamwork. 
During the week we had many chances to see the Lithuanian treasures in traditions, people and nature.  It was so interesting for me to see that the people of old centuries in all parts of Europe lived similar lifestyles and used similar objects. 
For all gorgeous  moments we had here, I am grateful to our Lithuanian hosts and other partners.

Özgür Boyacı, teacher from Turkey

A small state, interesting and hospitable people, rainy days, severe wind, green colour - it's Lithuania.
I have seen everything - various nationalities, all kinds of traditions and diversity of cultures. I was greatly impressed by a big ancient Lithuanian house in Anykskai, with all its amenities and delicious dishes. All members of the project not only tasted traditional dishes of each country, but even baked traditional Lithuanian bread which would be taken home. Later on, with the help of the time machine, we returned back into the 19th century. Everything was perfect in this small and lovely country.
George Ivanov, Headmaster from Bulgaria

This new experience in the north of Europe made us, Mediterranean people, feel at home. Cold country,m but warm people and high spirits! We discovered the Lithuanian "Ethno treasure hunters  with their traditions, culture and history linked with modern people. This has been a real treasure and our objectives have been reached. During this meeting we have confirmed the origins of our common European culture based on friendship and love for the environment and traditions. Thanks to our hosts we had the best from all points of view: visiting places, meeting new people, school organisation, tasting different dishes and sharing traditions. Thanks to everybody. See you soon in Bulgaria.
Nina and Mimma, teachers from Italy.


Once more I have to say thanks to "Ethno treasure hunt" project for the opportunity to spend marvelous moments together with the European partners. Days full of activities in a land rich with culture and traditions, where nature envelops us with its warm and relaxing colours. I have met a people who appreciateall simple things, who know how to work and hopw to have fun at the same time. We were taken back in time to discover the values of the family and traditions.
Linda, teacher from Italy


I'd like to thank Comenius for this opportunity. Lithuania is a very beautiful country and a very kind people. Finding friends all over the world is always a wonderful experience. So, thanks for all....
Mariausilia, from Italy


It was a great opportunity to improve my English skills and meet new people. All people are very friendly. I hope I find new friends. Thank you. Hugs.
Enza, Teacher from Italy


It was a very nice experience. Together with my host friend, we have learned new words : me in Lithuanian, her in Italian. I have I have met Zivielle's very nice friends and we had some parties together. I have seen new monuments and beautiful churches. Together with my friend I have visited  nearby towns and we went shopping. I have found out that the classes are very different from ours,and even the way they stay in their classrooms.
Mara Mangia, student from Italy.

All this project is awesome! I liked the teachers, students and their country! II wish I could see my new friends that I found in future. It was a good chance to test my English. I will miss my dearest friends and funny teachers. 
Love you, guys!
Jovita, student from Lithuania


First of all I want to say a huge THANKS for ETHNO TREASURE HUNTERS :) This project proved to me that all people from different countries can be friendly, hospitable. They did not mind that in Lithuania the weather was cold because our warm hearts made us all happy. Lithuania is one of the best countries where we can find new treasures. I will miss everybody.
Urte, student from Lithuania


Dear Ethno treasure hunt family
This meeting in Lithuania was great. I want to thank everyone because I have had an amazing trip to Vilnius. All people from this project are very friendly and helpful, so every time I can feel good. I want to say again Thank you to the groups from Turkey, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Italy and Bulgaria.
With love,
Gabriele, student from Lithuania


I'm glad that we were all together. I will miss you all. I wish I could give HUGE HUGS to all the ethno family members, but my arms are too small for all of you. :( But it's good that we are friends and I hope we will be good friends in future, too. :)
I want to say bg big thank you to all. I'll say four words again: I WILL MISS YOU. And I already  miss you, but you are now in Lithuania :o 
With big big hug,
Ieva, student from Lithuania

I had a great time during the meeting in Lithuani. I was very impressed by our hosts' hospitality and by the amazing programme they organized for us.
I loved the food, the accommodation, but most of all I liked the visits to the Trakkai Castle, to Vilnius, to the museums. I also liked the visit to our host school and interacting with their students.
The meeting was perfect. See you all in Bulgaria!
Lucian Paul, teacher from Romania


I enjoyed my visit to Lithuania very much. For me, it was the first time I traveled bt plane and it was an extraordinary experience. It was a first for many things: my first time abroad, my first time I have visited Lithuania and Latvia - I had the opportunity to visit three European capitals: Budapest, in Hungary, Riga, in Latvia, and Vilnius, in Lithuania. I tasted Lithuanian food, which is very spicy and tasty. We visited many interesting sights, and met many students from Lithuania and the pther partner countries. I made a lot of friends among them. 
Lithuanian people are very hospitable and sincere. I liked my host family very much.
I improved my English and learnt words and expressions from our partners' languages.
I also learnt a lot of Geography during this trip - I saw Europe from the plane: mountains, plains, rivers, forests, etc. We saw the Baltic Sea, which was an interesting experience for us. Although Lithuania has no mountains or hills, it has a lot of forests and green meadows, which makes the air very clean here. 
I feel very lucky to have been part of this wonderful project and to have had the opportunity to travel to Lithuania.
Paula Ianos, student from Romania


I enjoyed the meeting in Lithuania very much. I had the opportunity to improve my English and to learn many words from Lithuanian, Italian, Polish, Turkish and Bulgarian. I learnt a lot of new things. I met a lot of students fro  Lithuania and the other partner countries and made many friends among them. 
Lithuania is a very beautiful country and I loved all the places we visited. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work in this project and to be able to travel to Lithuania. It has been an extraordinary experience. I will never forget it and the people I met here.
I love Lithuania!
I love ETH!
Raul Fozecas, student from Romania

4th Project meeting in Lithuania

The Ethno treasure hunters went hunting for ethno and cultural treasures in Lithuania in 9-16 October 2011.
It was an amazing experience.

During the meeting in Lithuania we had a very busy and interesting program. We had some technical sessions at school, where we planned the schedule for the second project year. We discussed details about the end products that have to be finished this year.

We visited the school and the teachers of English from partner countries held some English lessons with the Lithuanian students based on a plan our hosts prepared. Each teacher was required by the coordinator to write her/his activity and impressions from the classes they visited. There were also some school headmasters, who exchanged best practices in school management. The other teachers visited the school and some classes.

 Besides these activities, we were involved also in cultural activities: visits to the local museums, where we learned how traditional houses were organized and saw many similarities between traditional houses in Lithuania and Romania, Turkey and other countries involved in this project. We learned how traditional bread was baked and the rules that governed in the traditional Lithuanian families.

 We were involved in an educational activity in which we played the roles of different members of the family and had specific tasks and chores to do within the traditional homestead. 

We also visited an open-air village museum, where the houses resembled very much to the Romanian traditional wooden houses.

We organized a cooking workshop, in which all partners cooked traditional dishes and we shared them with our partners and with the guests at the traditional dance party our hosts organized. There we learnt some traditional Lithuanian dances and we had fun together. There were the students and teachers from all 6 partner countries, host families and local officials present at this cultural event.

The students were hosted by local families and they also had a very interesting program. They attended classes at school with the host children and had also sports and cultural activities with the families.

We all participated in a documentary visit to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where we saw some more historical and cultural sites and admired the beautiful architecture of the city. Here, too, we could notice similarities in architecture with cities from our countries. This is proof that we are not so different; on the contrary, there are many similarities between our cultures.

We also saw the magnificent Hill of crosses, which reminds us a bit about the Merry Cemetery from Sapanta, Maramures, in Romania.

We had a dissemination session, where the local officials, the headmasters of the schools, teachers and students from the host school and the host families participated. On this occasion, the headmaster of the school presented us with the Certificates of participation and our host partner teacher presented the project, their school and the partners presented their countries and schools.

We appreciated very well the efforts our hosts made to organize such a varied and interesting program for the meeting in Lithuania and we all learned a lot about Lithuania and its warm-hearted and hospitable people and about the education system in this country.

Now we are waiting forward to meet again in Bulgaria next spring. :)