"Traditions and rituals related to water

Mazeikiu Merkelio Rackausko gimnazija

Water in Lithuanian Folk Ceremonies and Traditions

Why is water so significant in our traditions and festivals?

The

world of water was as if a different world. Water was vitally bounded with people. Water was meant to be a blessed power and an important tool of lustration. Ritual bathing meant returning to initial clean state as well as the renewal of health.

Shrove Tuesday symbolizes the end of winter

It

is inadvisable to drink water on Shrove Tuesday because this will cause severe thirst all year long.

During the festival water was splashed on all comers: revellers wearing masks, neighbours going for a ride and guests crowding in the yard to ensure a sufficient amount of rain for plants and crop the following summer.

It was customary to take a swarm of bees for a ride.

A

barrel or tube of water was placed in a sleigh as well as several merry girls (the bees). Bystanders tried to pour the water on them so that the bees carried more honey next summer.

The element of water becomes more active than usual in forthcoming spring. So the water is very often mentioned in Shrove Tuesdays songs.

uv

ukelm galv ukuoja. Galv ukuoja, plaukus laiduoja. Plaukeliai mieli, plaukit pas mielu. Kur mano mielas, vanden semia. Vanden semia, irgelius girdo.
plaukit swim vanden semia he is drawing water girdo waters

Pentecost or Whitsunday is the end of sowing and the beginning of summer works.

During the Pentecost festival

People worshipped the water because it was believed to have been necessary for the regenerative nature. Our forefathers did not dare to bathe in lakes and rivers until Pentecost. They thought that evil water spirits could harm them. It is also believed that God cleans the water. So after Pentecost the water becomes harmless.

Water and fire are the main worldwide elements of St. Johns day
.

Water on St. Johns day

Water was thought to be able to fertilize the land and make it fertile. Thats why the feast rituals and lots were played near the water or with water.

On the Eve or Early Morning of the Feast .

Sick people bathed in rivers and lakes before the sun set in hope to recover. Healthy people did the same hoping to prevent diseases. Livestock were bathed as well so that they would be healthy and strong.

During the night of St. Johns feast

From midnight till 3 a.m. the water of all rivers and lakes becomes active and has the same structure as the sanctified one.

The dew of St. Johns morning is considered to be miraculous

The

sick waded through the dew. If you roll in the dewy grass, you will be like milk and roses.

St. Johns morning

Masters used to see their crops and shake down the dew. The more dew there was, the more harvest they expected.

The dew heals

Some

women walked and gathered the dew in the morning of St. Johns day and used it as a curative. These women were blamed for sorcery. Nevertheless, such women were called witchdoctors which cured country people.

The wreath of St. John is related to water

Wreaths are made and . given girls and boys names. They are thrown into the water. The ones that come together represent the boy and the girl who will make a couple.

Water in weddings

Water is a purgatory means as well as the symbol of prolificacy and wealth, sometimes water is ascribed to have the power of impregnation.

During the wedding

.
The couple is met by all four parents. On a plate they hold a slice of bread, a pinch of salt and a glass of water. The newlyweds brake off a morsel of bread to eat and take a sip of water. Both drink from one glass because they will share everything in life, everything from then on will be done together.

...

When the bride entered the husbands family, she also had to ingratiate with the deities of water.

The daughter-in-law is advised to bathe in the first wedding morning

One of the household women brings the bowl of water. In order to thank, the bride gives a towel as a present or throws a coin into the water.

Water is the Source of Life

Thank you for your attention