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Suvalkija

Suvalkija, a land of fertile plains, is Lithuania's agriculturally richest region. Its people are known for their industriousness, logical minds and thrift. Neighboring peoples joke that in Suvalkija, farmers bring only live turkeys to feasts for guests... to peck at the crumbs. Song melodies from this region are also economical and rational. Double and triple voiced singing, similar to that of Aukstaitija is popular in Suvalkija:
Click to view lyrics 14 kb.

However, some ancient single-voiced songs similar to those of Dzukija and eastern Prussia still survive.

Kankles from Suvalkija have been influenced by classical instrumental aesthetics and are considered the most modern examples of this instrument. They feature the most strings (often twelve or more), heavy ornamentation and curved, spiral narrow ends. These kankles were used to accompany dances and songs. Examples from northwestern Zemaitija are quite similar in construction, though somewhat older.


next previous contents
Next: Aukstaitija Previous: Dzukija

"LITHUANIAN ROOTS", Edited by Rytis Ambrazevicius

Copyright ©, 1996 Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre.