Washing on the second day of Easter in Užupė village
Water plays a very important role in the Lithuanian spring calendar celebrations and work customs. The ritual of washing and sprinkling with water on the second morning of Easter has been recorded since the 19th century. It has a meaning of wishing good harvest, happiness and health. The centuries-old tradition, which was practiced in many parts of Lithuania, has declined over time. The village of Užupė in Kėdainiai district is perhaps the only known place in Lithuania where the custom of Easter water sprinkling, preserved by the efforts of the local people, has survived uninterruptedly and has been transmitted through generations.
The main practitioner is Algirdas Berankis, an Užupė resident who learnt it from his parents. Every year, in the early hours of the second day of Easter, together with his son, grandchildren and a few villagers, he walks around the village carrying a jug, a linen towel and a basket for Easter eggs, waking up the Užupė residents and greeting them with Easter, washing them with water and wishing them good health and happiness. Water is also sprinkled on the animals to protect them from calamities. The hosts of the households believe that if the washers pass by their houses, good fortune may also pass them by, so they welcome them with hospitality and thank them for the visit by presenting them with Easter eggs, cake and other delicacies. Later, gifts are offered to less fortunate families. After the morning washing, the village proceeds with a celebration involving Easter egg rolling and twirling competitions, and an election for the most beautiful and sturdiest Easter egg.
The tradition strengthens the ties between the villagers and different generations. It increases the interest in the custom of the entire community of Surviliškis Municipality and cultural workers. The practitioners of the tradition take care of transmitting to the younger generation and promoting it in the neighbouring districts.
Submission by Kėdainiai District Municipality Administration, 2022
Tradition bearers – Užupė village community