Hands up anyone who can point out Lithuania on a map of Europe? I'm ashamed to say that not that long ago, I had to google where Lithuania was. Don't get me wrong, I knew Lithuania was a country (thanks to years of watching Eurovision), I knew it was a Baltic country, but I couldn't definitively tell you exactly where is was. That all changed last week when I attended an event hosted by the Lithuanian Tourism Board to promote Lithuania as a great weekender destination for Scottish tourists. I got to taste some Lithuanian delicacies and also learnt that Lithuania is a pretty interesting country. Just in case you too have zero knowledge of the country, here's 10 fun facts I learnt that evening.
1. YOUR WISHES CAN COME TRUE
The Archcathedral Basilica of Vilnius is home to a 'miracle tile' (craftily inscribed with the word 'stebuklas' which is Lithuanian for miracle). The area is believed to have been the site of a pagan shrine and apparently if you step on the tile, make a wish and turn around, your wish will come true. Details are a little sketchy as to how many times your are to turn around, and whether you need to go clockwise or not.... but I'm sure you could give it all a go and see what happens....
2. YOU CAN BATHE IN GOLD
Amber is known as Lithuanian gold, and who knew the country was a thriving place for a spa retreat? Once thought a myth, but now backed by science, Amber is proven to have stimulating and body strengthening qualities. Lithuania's believe it has the power to heal all ailments and visitors to the country can experience a special 'Amber therapy' that use music, amber products and massage to heal you of all your worries.
You can find out more about this fascinating treatment here, or other beauty services here.
You can find out more about this fascinating treatment here, or other beauty services here.
3. THEY LOVE BASKETBALL
Who knew Lithuanian's loved Basketball so much? apparently its like a religion to them, and their men's team has won bronze medals in the sport in three Olympics. Basketball was first played in Lithuania in the 1920s but wasn't popular due to it being seen as a women's sport (rude! we can do it just as well as the men!). It didn't become popular until the mid-1940s and has surged its way right into the hearts of Lithuanian's....so unexpected.....
4. THEY HAVE A HILL WITH 200 000 CROSSES ON IT
The story goes that people started leaving crosses here in the 19th Century, some say they were built to pray for health, while others say they were left there to remember those who died in the uprising of 1863. Either way, the site is seen as a sacred and spiritual place for many Lithuanian's. Pope John Paul II visited the site in 1993 and celebrated Holy Mass, and in 2000 a monastery was built near the site. This is one of Lithuania's most spectacular sites.
4. VILNIUS HAS ITS OWN REPUBLIC
Similar to Christiania in Copenhagen, Lithuania's capital Vilnius is home to the Uzupis Republic. Located near the Old Town, this neighbourhood has its own constitution, anthem, sheriff and bishop. The area is now home to a lot of artists due to the presence of the Vilnius Academy of Arts. In another nod to Copenhagen, the area is also home to a bronze statue of a mermaid often referred to as Our Lady of Uzupis who tempts visitors to stay.
5. THEY LOVE PINK SOUP
It might not look that appetising, but pink soup or Šaltibarščiai as it is called in Lithuania is actually not that bad. Made from beetroot, cucumber, dill and buttermilk- mixed together and served cold.....mmmmm yummy. I tried some at the Lithuanian night I attended and although it wasn't really to my taste, I could see that it would be a nice refreshing alternative to a hot soup.
6. THEY HAVE A BEER GOD
Any country that has a beer god is okay by me. In Old Town Vilnius in an old fish market area now known as Market Square, is a large stone called Ragutis, the god of beer. The legend goes that anyone who moves the stone will not die in his bed. That's Lithuania for you.....
7. YOU CAN TAKE TO THE AIR
Lithuanian's love hot air ballooning and apparently Vilnius is one of the only cities in the world that you can fly in a hot air balloon over the top of. Can you even image how beautiful the view would be of all the ancient streets and buildings?! This is definitely on my 'to-do' list.
8. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN 'JOAN OF ARC'
You may not be familiar with the name Emilija Pliateryte (or Emilia Plater), but she is a national heroine in Lithuania and Poland. Born in Vilnius, Emilija was a countess who fought in the 1830 uprising by forming her own unit. She cut her hair, made herself a uniform and banded together a unit that consisted of about 280 infantry, 60 cavalry and hundreds of peasants. During the battles she was promoted to Captain which was the highest military ranking ever given to a woman at the time. She died of an illness while on the road and her lands were confiscated by the Russian authorities. She was one kick-ass chick!
9. THEY LOVE CHURCHES
I found it quite surprising to find out that in the mid-twentieth century Lithuania had around 885 Catholic churches and chapels- for a country that is relatively small that is a fairly impressive amount. The history of the whole nation can be found in many of the churches across the country. Christianity was officially adopted in 1387 and the country is home to some of the most beautiful and most well preserved churches in the world.
10. THEY BELIEVE IN MAGIC
Most countries have their superstitions but I particularly liked this Lithuanian one. In Kaunas (Lithuania's second capital), there is a point where two main rivers meet. The story goes that the Nemunas river is male and the Neris river is female- the meeting of the two rivers is considered a marriage of a couple as the rivers meet and never split up, making it the perfect rendezvous point for couples wanting their union to last.
Most countries have their superstitions but I particularly liked this Lithuanian one. In Kaunas (Lithuania's second capital), there is a point where two main rivers meet. The story goes that the Nemunas river is male and the Neris river is female- the meeting of the two rivers is considered a marriage of a couple as the rivers meet and never split up, making it the perfect rendezvous point for couples wanting their union to last.
Lithuania looks like a beautiful country to visit. It wasn't somewhere that was ever top of my list, but thanks the Lithuanian Tourism Board, it's now firmly on my list.
Find more information about Lithuania by visiting their website.
Read more travel posts here
** image disclaimer** Images are from the Lithuanian Travel website mentioned above. Copyright is theirs.
Find more information about Lithuania by visiting their website.
Read more travel posts here
** image disclaimer** Images are from the Lithuanian Travel website mentioned above. Copyright is theirs.
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