LITHUANIANS' ETHNIC CULTURE
Short Visit

Theme:
Folk Culture

 16-20th

	Catalog of the Exhibition

Folk Architecture Food Religious Rites Folk Art The National Character

Concern for ethnic culture is more than a matter of national honor -- it is important for the nation's vigor and survival. We have many sources, in writing, iconography and sound, by which we can research our ethnic culture, and numerous mature analyses have been published. However, we must find new ways, in this modern society, to promote and disseminate our cultural heritage in our own land and throughout the world.

One of the greatest shortcomings of research in ethnic culture, is the fact that it is often limited to one's own nation. Thus a nation's ethnic culture is seen as remarkable, and of a higher level than that of one's neighbors. But we, just as other nations, are a part of Europe and the world. Attempts to describe parts of Lithuania as either Western or Eastern often call up an emotional response. But it must not be forgotten that research demonstrates that our ethnic culture arises from the juncture of two cultural areas. This fact should even further encourage interest in our ancient culture, and excite the curiosity of foreign researchers. By disclosing their most important layers, we may reveal the cultural differences between the ethnic regions of East and West.