Traditional Relationship Between Human and Forest in Lithuania

The relationship between human and forest is a cultural phenomenon of Lithuanians, arising from the worldview, knowledge, skills and practices of individuals, communities, and the entire nation. This relationship is closely related to the way of life in forested areas and the cultivation of some traditional crafts.

The changing attitude towards nature has had a great impact on the relationship between humans and forest in Lithuania over the centuries. During the period of the Baltic religion, humans looked at the forest as a community of non-human entities and maintained contact with it through rituals. With the introduction of Christianity, the forest lost its role as a mediator between humans and the gods; the spiritual connection remained, but it became more limited and focused on a practical plane. In the period of modernity, the forest began to be treated as a resource. Today, the increasingly established post-humanist approach is characterized by the fact that individual trees and forests become ethical subjects.

Today, rural and urban communities, associations, institutions, organizations, and individuals are involved in forest protection. Through education, activism, creative arts and other means, they raise awareness and understanding within society about our natural environment and promote sustainable living.

The nurturers of this relationship view forest resources not only as materials or consumer products, but also as gifts that require care, protection, and expressions of gratitude. The forest is considered a place that welcomes, protects, provides goods, strengthens, and rejuvenates, so it is often called home. The connection between human and forest is rooted in different levels of traditional culture. It is expressed through mindset, behavior, and feeling. It is also a historical part of Lithuanian identity.

Submission by the Institute of Indigenous Culture

Tradition bearers – Musteika village community and Šimonių forest (Inkūnai and other villages located in the forest) community,
Vilnius Lazdynai community, Kaunas Žaliakalnis and Kaunas Žemieji Šančiai communities, members of the Kaunas branch of
the Ancient Baltic religious community “Romuva”, hikers of the Panevėžys branch of the Lithuanian Hiking Union, Directorate of
Dzukija National Park and Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve, Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, Ancient Woods Foundation, Lithuanian Arborist Center, Baltic Environmental Forum, Association “Gyvo Žalio”