Easter Sunday is a significant holiday in Lithuania, where it is observed with various traditions and customs. The majority of Lithuanians are Roman Catholics, making Easter, the celebration of Christ's resurrection, one of the most important religious holidays in the country. Special masses are held in churches, and people participate in religious activities and rituals with fervor. Additionally, it is a public holiday in Lithuania, allowing people to come together and celebrate with their families.
The preparations for Easter Sunday in Lithuania start long before the actual day. The Lithuanian Easter traditions are deeply rooted in nature and the changing of the seasons. One of the most popular traditions is the making and painting of Easter eggs, known as 'Marguciai.' The eggs are typically decorated using natural materials and dyes in a variety of designs, symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. The evening before Easter, families gather to participate in the traditional egg rolling or egg tapping games.
On Easter Sunday, the Lithuanians generally attend the morning Easter Mass, followed by family get-togethers where traditional meals, particularly featuring the decorated Easter eggs, are served. The dishes are usually meat-based since the Lenten fast has ended. Another unique tradition is 'Velykų Bobute,' where children visit houses in their neighborhoods and sing Easter songs, receiving sweets and eggs in return. The Easter celebrations continue on the following day, known as 'Antroji Velykų diena' or 'Second Easter Day', which is also a public holiday in Lithuania.