New Year’s Day in Lithuania ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Lithuania and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Lithuania and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Lithuania, New Year’s Day is called “Saulelės kalėdos” or the “Sun’s holiday”. It is a public holiday and people have the day off from work. Families and friends get together to celebrate with food, drink and merriment. The most popular dish on Saulelės kalėdos is fried carp, which is served with potato salad. Other traditional foods include herring, beetroot soup and kūčiukai (a type of Lithuanian pastry).
People also give each other gifts on Saulelės kalėdos. The most common gifts are books, clothes and money.
Saulelės kalėdos is also a time for reflection. Many people take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the year ahead.