Folk Art
Traditional Lithuanian folk art developed from the bare necessities of life, when people built their own homes, farmed land, and wove all material for clothing. The Lithuanians lived under natural isolation in the forests along the Baltic coast which allowed them to keep their ancient traditions. Lithuanian folk art reached its peak during the 18th and 19th century.
Years ago, road side wooden crosses dotted the Lithuanian countryside. Thousands could be found on hilltops, homesteads, graveyards, and elsewhere. A great deal of care and creative imagination is used in making theses elaborate crosses. Many designs included radiating sunbeams, arrows, crescents, lilies and tulips. Skilled Lithuanian craftsman also carved intricate figurines out of wood. The most carvings were figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The most popular design was Rupintojelis (Sorrowing Christ), which depicts a sitting the meditating Christ, resting His head on his hand.
Years ago, road side wooden crosses dotted the Lithuanian countryside. Thousands could be found on hilltops, homesteads, graveyards, and elsewhere. A great deal of care and creative imagination is used in making theses elaborate crosses. Many designs included radiating sunbeams, arrows, crescents, lilies and tulips. Skilled Lithuanian craftsman also carved intricate figurines out of wood. The most carvings were figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The most popular design was Rupintojelis (Sorrowing Christ), which depicts a sitting the meditating Christ, resting His head on his hand.
Decorated eggs or “marguciai” are an ancient custom that spans throughout Eastern Europe. In Lithuania the eggs were either dyed and the design scratched with a sharp tool or the application of wax, using a batik method. Natural dyes were used from plant base materials such as dried birch leaves and onion skins. Today, commercial dyes are used which gives the egg a brighter and richer hue.
The art of ceramics is another ancient Lithuanian custom. Pottery was glazed and painted with figures of flowers, plants, and birds. Large elegant pitchers were often used to serve mead and beer. “Field carriers’ or “laukneseliai” consisted of two pots joined in the middle. They were used to carry food to people working in the fields. Lastly, Lithuanians weave straw into intricate geometrical shapes to decorate their Christmas tree. Large straw decorations are used as chandeliers above the dining table. Tiny pieces of cut straw are used to create pictures and decorate boxes, plates, and frames, etc. It is also braided to make elaborate baskets.
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In Lithuania paper cutting or “karpinaiai” has been practiced since the 16th century. They are cut from one color of paper and usually symmetric. Many paper cuttings depict the mystical “tree of life,” the central axis of Indo-European culture. This motif if also painted on chests, needlework, and wooden statues.
Other Lithuanian folk art includes work in wrought iron. Many iron heads of crosses represent the signs of celestial bodies, the sun, and the crescent moon. They adorn many churches and are found abundantly in church cemeteries. |
By: Carol A. Luschas Knights of Lithuania C-144