Lithuanians

Lithuanians are a Baltic ethnic group, associated with Lithuania and the Lithuanian language. Most of them live in Lithuania - nearly 3 million according to the 2001 census. About another million make up the Lithuanian diaspora. The Lithuanian ethnos has been influenced by Slavic and Germanic peoples in the past. Most Lithuanians belong to the Roman Catholic Church, with significant minorities of Protestants and members of the Eastern Orthodox church. The Lithuanian language is part of the Indo-European linguistic family.

Traditions

The Lithuanian national sport is usually considered to be basketball, which is popular among Lithuanians in Lithuania and as well as the emmigrant communities. Basketball came to Lithuania through the community of Lithuanian Americans in the start of the 20th century.

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Cepelinai is the most famous national food. It is popular among Lithuanians all over the world. Other Lithuanian foods include black bread, cold beet soup, and kugelis (a baked potato pudding). Some of these foods are also common in neighboring countries. Lithuanian cusine is generally not popular outside Lithuanian communities. Most of Lithuanian restaurants outside Lithuania are established in areas with a high Lithuanian presence.

Related Topics:
Cepelinai - Black bread - Kugelis - Lithuanian cusine

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Jonin?s (also known as Rasos) is a traditional national holiday, celebrated on the summer solistice. It has pagan origins. The u?gav?n?s holiday occurs around Easter, and is meant to help the winter go away. Also there are national traditions for Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

Related Topics:
Jonin?s - Rasos - U?gav?n?s - Easter - Christmas

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