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 What can you bring as a present from Lithuania? Sure, things like dolls wearing national clothes, T-shirts, postcards and books are souvenirs popular everywhere. What is special in Lithuania? Traditionally Lithuanians are proud of their handmade amber and flax works, woven sashes, wooden carvings.
Verbos can be found only in Vilnius. They are made by people living in the nearby villages from dried natural or colored field or garden flowers, various herbs and grain. At the top, verbos have “crowns” made from canes and reeds.
National sashes constitute a traditional and very old part of Lithuanian folk art. The handmade sashes tell a lot about the color choices of the Lithuanians. Sashes used to be worn as a part of a clothing piece or to replace the belt. Today sashes come in different width and length and are used only for interior decoration.
Knitted items are decorations for the interior and clothing known from the previous centuries. The crocheted ornaments imitate the geometrical, plant and animal ornaments on textile edges popular in the 19th century. In this way towel and linen edges were decorated, large and small tablecloths and the returning national hats for women were knitted.
The “holey” flax tablecloths knitted with knitting needles or crochet are still popular today. Woolen items such as socks and mittens are very beautiful and comfortable, especially the ones in two colors decorated with simple geometrical ornaments that come from the grandmothers’ dowry chests.
Paper cuttings, traditional ornament segments, complicated compositions with various meanings that reflect the character of national decorations and the subtle taste of the Balts are seen in their cutting patterns. This art type was formed in Lithuania in the 14th century, and some examples of the Grand Duke Vytautas’ letters with paper cuttings have survived.
In galleries you can buy paintings, sculptures, ceramic, metal and glass works. Not all items are suitable for presents yet everyone will find a lovely knick-knack such as a little clay devil, a piece of of stained glass or a handmade mug or plate.
Those interested in history are invited to visit the bookshops. There you will find books and videos about the customs, ancient religion and myths of Lithuania. Music fans can buy music CDs of Lithuanian composers.
What is the traditional Lithuanian drink? There is no single answer to this question – everyone you ask will give you a different answer. The most popular beverage is beer. Experts say it as good as the German beer. From among the stronger alcoholic drinks Lithuanians prefer vodka or brandy. We advise you try the various drinks and decide which one you like the most. Choose from “Starka”, “Bobelinė”, “Midus”, “Trejos devynerios”, “Čepkelių” and others.
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