LithuaniaIt’s people, their culture and how they helped mold the US

Bobbi Jo Glowacki

• First settled 12000 BC• Settled by tribal groupings such as Prussians, Lithuanians and Latgallians settled in the western territories between 400 A.D. and 700 A.D.

• Pagan tribes• Became targets of European Catholic Missions• First mentioned in written context in 1009 during the mission of Saint Bruno

• Found it’s way to world maps after coronation of King Mindaugas • Gave recognition as

equal in Western Europe’s political system

•Recognition brought about a change•Chose to follow path of Western development•Opened schools•Written language•Students travelled to European Universities

Christianity officially adopted as religion in 1387

Battle of Zalgarius was a victory that defeated the Teutonic Knights and allowed for the expansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

• Lithuania’s first Constitution adopted on May 3, 1791• First Constitution in

Europe• Second Constitution in

the world

• Higher education dates back to 1579

• Vilnius University was founded

• First higher education school

• Located in the capitol of Lithuania

• 18th century• Catholics saw a dark

time• Repressive Tsarist

Russia banned all Lithuanian prayer books

• Set an imposition of Russian Orthodox faith

• Peasants smuggled the books to other lands

• Paved the way for independence

• June, 1945 Russians occupied Lithuania

• Mass deportations of Lithuanians to remote locations

• Led to Lithuanians joining partisan groups

• Nazis occupied Lithuania from June 22, 1941 until January 28, 1945

• Lithuanian Jews sent to concentration camps, mainly Auschwitz

• March 11, 1990 Independence was reestablished

• 2004 again reunites Lithuania with the Europeans

• Became an official donor country giving aid to other countries

• First noted emigration to the United States

• 1659• Alexander Cursius• Arrived in New

Amsterdam• Became first Latin

school teacher

Immigrants with Lithuanian surnames served under General George Washington during Revolutionary War

Thaddeus Kosciuszko• Served during Revolutionary War• Became a Brigadier General• Became a war hero

Emigration motives of the 18th Century• Largely economic reasons• Failed attempts at revolutions

against Tsar• Young men leaving to avoid joining

army

• Largest migration during 1904-1914

• WWI saw a decline in immigrants to US

• Immigrants got jobs such as coal miners, tailors, and steel workers

• Chicago had a huge influx of immigrants

• Men were tall• Had a masculine physique• Broad Shoulders

Eye color differs in both sexes, blue eyes seem to dominate genes• Females normally short in

stature• Boyish figures• Known for very long hair

Fond of nature

Folk music plays important part

Holidays and customs are a big deal

Winter plays a role in food preference; shorter harvest times dictate food selections

Economics plays a role as well, choices arebased on what is not expensive and readilyavailable

Food plays a huge part in customs

Kucios is the most symbolic meal of the year

Comprised of 12 meatless dishesHay is placed under the tablecloth Kucuikai is servedDievo pyragai is broken

Deceased loved ones are remembered by having a place set at the table on Christmas Eve. The candle represents the light of

their spirit.

• Today’s economy is growing

• Established strong ties with Western Democratic countries

The 1990’s experienced “brain drain”This resulted from educated Lithuanians emigrating to other countries

Work ethics vary amongst age groups• Elder immigrants are

steadfast in their ways• Younger immigrants will

adapt to the ways of today• Direction is needed to

complete jobs• Neither like confrontation

Elder Lithuanian immigrants prefer to speak their native tongue

Younger immigrants or American born Lithuanians prefer to speak English and easily adapt to the language

Healthcare workers need to be conscious of age groups they are dealing with

Broken English, if any English will be spoken

Healthcare workers need to be certain instructions are fully understood

• Stigmas still surround mental illness for elder Lithuanians

• Younger families will be supportive and encourage treatment

• Western medicine is accepted• Physicians are preferred to be

female• Healthcare is accepted from

either sex by patients• Prefer natural childbirth

Lithuanians are modest. The healthcare worker should be certain to provide adequate amounts of privacy.

Grief is expressed by crying, sadness as well as talking about the deceased with respect and fondness

Prayer is a huge part in everyday life.It is especially turned to in death and dying as well as times of crisis and serious illnesses.The family or patient should be given the lead in prayer.

Other interesting information ;-)

• Outside of private insurance in Lithuania, the State provides the insurance• You do not have to pay a premium so it is “free”,

however there is a contribution in the form of a work tax• If you have a long term illness, you are exempt

from paying those contributions• The heart transplant surgery was pioneered in

Lithuania• Be sure to go and get palms on Palm Sunday, if not

those who return home with them will whip you