Lithuania PA

Lithuania – Preparation Activities

As part of our preparation for the Youth Exchange "PEHELI 4-All," the Lithuanian team conducted comprehensive research exploring the themes of health, mental well-being, traditions, and peace within our national context. Lithuania's rich cultural heritage, evolving approaches to physical and mental health, and strong values rooted in tradition and nature all contribute to shaping our collective identity and lifestyle. This research highlights the country's efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle, spiritual connection, and support for peace, particularly in light of recent global challenges. Through this work, our team aims to better understand the cultural and societal dynamics of Lithuania and share them with fellow participants to foster intercultural dialogue, empathy, and solidarity.

Health and sports culture in Lithuania.

Sports Culture.

Lithuania has strong sporting traditions, and basketball is undoubtedly king! Our basketball teams and players are known worldwide, and the fans are incredibly passionate. Every basketball season brings people together and evokes many emotions. But besides basketball it is also important to mention amateur sports – more and more people are actively participating in marathons, cycling tours, attending sports clubs, and practicing various forms of physical activity. This shows a growing public interest in a healthy lifestyle.

Health Culture:

In Lithuania, increasing attention is being paid to a healthy lifestyle. Awareness is growing about the importance of nutrition, the benefits of physical activity, and the avoidance of harmful habits. More and more people are choosing organic and local products and are interested in healthy eating.

However, there are still challenges related to access to quality healthcare services, especially in the regions.

Traditions and spiritual health

Culture of Traditions:

Lithuanian traditions are very rich and closely related to nature and the seasons.

Festivals and Customs: Christmas, Easter, St. John's Day, Shrove Tuesday, and other traditional holidays are celebrated with deep rituals, songs, and dances.
Crafts and Folk Art: Lithuania is famous for its folk art – weaving, ceramics, wood carving, blacksmithing, and other crafts that are passed down from generation to generation.
Folklore and Music: Lithuanian folk songs, fairy tales, legends, and instrumental music are an important part of the culture. Sutartinės – a unique form of polyphonic singing – are included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Spiritual Health Culture:

Religion: Historically, Lithuania is a Catholic country, and religion still plays an important role in the lives of many people. However, the diversity of other religions and beliefs is growing, and the number of non-religious people is also increasing.

Philosophy and Values: Spiritual health can also be related to personal values, the search for meaning in life, ethical beliefs, and one's relationship with the world.

Connection with Nature: Many Lithuanians feel a strong connection with nature, which is often a source of spiritual inspiration and peace. Traditional festivals related to the cycles of nature perfectly illustrate this.

Mental health in Lithuania

Mental Health:

In recent years, there has been increasing talk about the importance of mental health in Lithuania. There is a growing understanding that mental health is no less important than physical health. More and more people are seeking help.

However, the mental healthcare system is still being improved, and there is a shortage of specialists, especially in the regions. It is important to continue education and destigmatization so that every person facing mental health difficulties feels safe to seek help.

Peace

On March 11, 1990, Lithuania regained its independence and restored its statehood after 50 years of Soviet occupation. This act declared the restoration of the Act of Independence of February 16, 1918, and that Lithuania was once again an independent state.

After Lithuania gained independence The cultural recovery was a very important process in order to restore national identity and get rid of the legacy of Soviet ideology.

Soviet monuments, street names, and other ideological attributes were removed from public spaces. The true narrative of Lithuanian history began to be researched and published, including the period of Soviet occupation, deportations, and resistance and traditions, holidays, crafts, folklore, and national costumes as well as our national language were supported.

And then finally in 2004 Lithuania became a part of NATO and the European Union.

Currently, Lithuania actively supports Ukraine's peace and independence.