This document provides an overview of the history and culture of Lithuania and Lithuanian immigrants to the United States. Some key points include: - Lithuania was first settled over 12,000 years ago by tribal groups and was Christianized in the 14th century. - It established the first constitution in Europe in 1791 and founded Vilnius University in 1579. - Large waves of Lithuanian immigration to the US occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily for economic opportunities. Many worked in industries like mining and steel. - Lithuanian culture places importance on family, folk music, nature, and Christianity. Food and holidays play a large role in traditions. - Healthcare providers should be

1. Lithuania
It’s people, their culture and how they helped mold the US
Bobbi Jo Glowacki

2. • First settled 12000 BC
• Settled by tribal groupings such as
Prussians, Lithuanians and Latgallians
settled in the western territories
between 400 A.D. and 700 A.D.

3. • Pagan tribes
• Became targets of European
Catholic Missions
• First mentioned in written context
in 1009 during the mission of Saint
Bruno

4. • Found it’s way to world maps after
coronation of King Mindaugas
• Gave recognition as equal in Western
Europe’s political system

5. • Recognition brought about a change
• Chose to follow path of Western development
• Opened schools
• Written language
• Students travelled to European Universities

6. Christianity officially adopted as religion
in 1387

7. Battle of Zalgarius was a victory that defeated the Teutonic Knights and allowed for the
expansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

8. • Lithuania’s first Constitution adopted on
May 3, 1791
• First Constitution in Europe
• Second Constitution in the world

9. • Higher education dates back to 1579
• Vilnius University was founded
• First higher education school
• Located in the capitol of Lithuania

10. • 18th century
• Catholics saw a dark time
• Repressive Tsarist Russia banned all
Lithuanian prayer books
• Set an imposition of Russian Orthodox
faith
• Peasants smuggled the books to other
lands
• Paved the way for independence

11. • June, 1945 Russians occupied Lithuania
• Mass deportations of Lithuanians to remote locations
• Led to Lithuanians joining partisan groups
• Nazis occupied Lithuania from June 22, 1941 until January 28, 1945
• Lithuanian Jews sent to concentration camps, mainly Auschwitz

12. • March 11, 1990 Independence was reestablished
• 2004 again reunites Lithuania with the
Europeans
• Became an official donor country giving
aid to other countries

13. • First noted emigration to the United
States
• 1659
• Alexander Cursius
• Arrived in New Amsterdam
• Became first Latin school teacher

14. Immigrants with Lithuanian surnames served under General George
Washington during Revolutionary War
Thaddeus Kosciuszko
• Served during Revolutionary War
• Became a Brigadier General
• Became a war hero

15. Emigration motives of the 18th Century
• Largely economic reasons
• Failed attempts at revolutions against Tsar
• Young men leaving to avoid joining army

16. • Largest migration during 1904-1914
• WWI saw a decline in immigrants to
US
• Immigrants got jobs such as coal
miners, tailors, and steel workers
• Chicago had a huge influx of
immigrants

17. • Men were tall
• Had a masculine physique
• Broad Shoulders
Eye color differs in both sexes, blue eyes seem to dominate genes
• Females normally short in stature
• Boyish figures
• Known for very long hair

18. Fond of nature
Folk music plays important part
Holidays and customs are a big
deal

19. Winter plays a role in food preference; shorter harvest
times dictate food selections
Economics plays a role as well, choices are
based on what is not expensive and readily
available

20. Food plays a huge part in customs

21. Kucios is the most symbolic meal of the year
Comprised of 12 meatless dishes
Hay is placed under the tablecloth
Kucuikai is served
Dievo pyragai is broken

22. Deceased loved ones are remembered by having a place set at the table on
Christmas Eve. The candle represents the light of their spirit.

23. • Today’s economy is growing
• Established strong ties with Western
Democratic countries
The 1990’s experienced “brain drain”
This resulted from educated Lithuanians
emigrating to other countries

24. Work ethics vary amongst age groups
• Elder immigrants are steadfast in their ways
• Younger immigrants will adapt to the ways of
today
• Direction is needed to complete jobs
• Neither like confrontation

25. Elder Lithuanian immigrants prefer to speak their native tongue
Younger immigrants or American born Lithuanians prefer to speak
English and easily adapt to the language

26. Healthcare workers need to be conscious of age groups
they are dealing with
Broken English, if any English will be spoken
Healthcare workers need to be certain instructions are
fully understood

27. • Stigmas still surround mental illness for elder Lithuanians
• Younger families will be supportive and encourage
treatment
• Western medicine is accepted
• Physicians are preferred to be female
• Healthcare is accepted from either sex by patients
• Prefer natural childbirth

28. Lithuanians are modest. The healthcare worker should
be certain to provide adequate amounts of privacy.

29. Grief is expressed by crying, sadness as well as
talking about the deceased with respect and
fondness

30. Prayer is a huge part in everyday life.
It is especially turned to in death and dying
as well as times of crisis and serious illnesses.
The family or patient should be given the
lead in prayer.

31. Other interesting information ;-)
• Outside of private insurance in Lithuania, the State provides the insurance
• You do not have to pay a premium so it is “free”, however there is a contribution in the
form of a work tax
• If you have a long term illness, you are exempt from paying those contributions
• The heart transplant surgery was pioneered in Lithuania
• Be sure to go and get palms on Palm Sunday, if not those who return home with them will
whip you