Educational programs at the Klaipėda District Ethnic Culture Center

During the education, the secrets of traditional straw garden making are learnt, and the sacredness and magic of this unique tradition is revealed.

Garden tying is not only an act that requires concentration and diligence, but also a refreshment for the soul, a unique meditation, a break from everyday life and a cosy workshop.

During the class you will create a unique straw decoration for Christmas, Easter, a lovely gift for a loved one, or a cosy piece of decor for your home.

The educational sessions are led by D. Lengvinaitė, ethnologist and folk artist of Žemaitija department.

During the lesson, you will learn about the traditions of waxing eggs, the patterns of printing, what the colours of the Easter egg colouring symbolise, which eggs are better to choose, how to prepare them, what the wax should be, what tools are needed for printing, and which paints can be used to paint the Easter eggs. After all, it has always been believed that Easter eggs have magical powers.

The education takes place a week before Easter and is led by event organiser Marina Žebelienė.

This is a unique acquaintance with the Lithuanian Helmut, who will introduce the peculiarities of the lifestyle of the people of the ancient land, present the Lithuanian medicine cabinet, reveal the secrets of herbal magic, the secrets of conjuring up illnesses, and the peculiar, time-tested healing methods.

A rare collection of old Lithuanian books will be presented to those who are interested. You will learn what hand books are and their significance in the everyday life of a Lithuanian.

The education is led by ethnologist Helmutas Lotužis.

hat are the sounds of home that greet you every morning? And what did your home sound like a hundred years ago, maybe even longer ago?

This is a fun education about how Lithuanian music originated, what the original purpose of musical instruments was, and how those instruments might sound today. We will try to create the music of a sounding house, see a collection of traditional instruments and hear their sound.

The education will be led by ethnologist J. Vozgirdienė, head of the Art Department D. Bielkauskas.

The patterns of folk ribbons have come down to us from ancient times, written down by our ancestors to inform us about traditions and concepts of beauty.

Knotting is one of the oldest ways of weaving ribbons, with a rich variety of colours and patterns, and requiring care and patience. The twists are made using woollen yarns of various colours and square blocks, which were once mostly made of wood, bone and even amber, but are now made of a variety of hard materials. The patterns of the ribbons vary from very complex to very simple ones, such as longitudinal stripes, herringbones and squiggles.

During the class, participants will:

•     Learn about the history of twisted bands and their significance in Lithuanian culture.
•     They will learn how to use different coloured woolen yarns and special square blocks for twisting bands.
•     Participants will practice creating their own bands by combining colours and patterns.
•     Gain practical skills that can be used to create traditional handicrafts.

Price: 10 Eur.
Registration
Tel: 067596058
E-mail: dovilai@yahoo.com

The educational sessions are led by folk artist, ethnologist Dalia Lengvinaitė.