Lithuania was the last pagan nation in Europe. Although the rulers and elite converted to Catholicism in the 14th century, they made no particular effort to stop popular pagan practices, which continued on for another couple centuries. This map shows the spread of Christianity in 1300 - take a look at Lithuania, the only blank spot in a sea of dates and colors.
That pre-Christian influence is still visible in Lithuania’s distinctive style of crosses, which reflect imagery of the pagan World Tree.
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Brilliant illustration / concept from Lithuania… Chocolate in any shape you can imagine! Chocolate Naive | Love Agency
I miss home.
For a third consecutive year the city of Kaunas, Lithuania approached artist Jolanta Šmidtienė to assist with their annual holiday decorating. Recognizing the city’s somewhat dire financial state the artist challenged herself to build something that wouldn’t rely on any administrative funds set aside for the event. The result: an enormous 13-meter tall Christmas tree made from nearly 40,000 recycled green bottles and zip ties.
!Man, it’s so weird to see this sort of story and be able to say “hey, I’ve been there!”Actually, when I was there they had a kind of weird decorative tree in the old town square, too.
For a third consecutive year the city of Kaunas, Lithuania approached artist Jolanta Šmidtienė to assist with their annual holiday decorating. Recognizing the city’s somewhat dire financial state the artist challenged herself to build something that wouldn’t rely on any administrative funds set aside for the event. The result: an enormous 13-meter tall Christmas tree made from nearly 40,000 recycled green bottles and zip ties. At night the tree is lit from the inside resulting in a glowing, translucent, emerald green spruce that’s making headlines across the country. I would love it Chicago had the foresight and ambition to do something like this.
Vilnius (by Peter Gutierrez)
