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All Saints' Day and Velines (November 1st - 2nd)

Since ancient times, Lithuanians believed that after death, the soul separated from the body and continued existing among the living. Velines was an occasion to remember the deceased by decorating their graves with flowers, plants and burning candles. This was thought to bring their spirits nearer and to form a bond between the living and the dead. In Dzukija, Diedai bread was baked and handed out to beggars nearby the church on this day. This act ensured that in the coming year bees and rye would be plentiful.


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Next: St. Andrew's Day (November 30th) Previous: Flax Breaking

"LITHUANIAN ROOTS", Edited by Rytis Ambrazevicius

Copyright ©, 1996 Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre.