Lithuanian Gastronomical Heritage - Gira (Kvas)
Like many other countries known for their traditions of winemaking or beer brewing, Lithuania also stands out in the area of beverages with its own national drink - gira.
Gira is a fermented drink widely believed to have originated in Eastern Žemyna, known as kvas amongst Slavs. However, it has a far reaching history in Lithuania with recipes and use being recorded in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Lithuania is special in this sphere for its rich heritage of gira recipes, a number of which have been dated back to as far as the 16th century AD. Over a hundred of such original recipes survive today from basic rye and bread gira, to more exotic cloudberry, honey and even milk gira.
Gira is not only a popular staple in modern day Lithuania, but also a valuable and longstanding piece of Lithuanian heritage, with a long history of use in folk medicine, traditional drink and popular refreshment throughout our history.
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Like many other countries known for their traditions of winemaking or beer brewing, Lithuania also stands out in the area of beverages with its own national drink - gira.
Gira is a fermented drink widely believed to have originated in Eastern Žemyna, known as kvas amongst Slavs. However, it has a far reaching history in Lithuania with recipes and use being recorded in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Lithuania is special in this sphere for its rich heritage of gira recipes, a number of which have been dated back to as far as the 16th century AD. Over a hundred of such original recipes survive today from basic rye and bread gira, to more exotic cloudberry, honey and even milk gira.
Gira is not only a popular staple in modern day Lithuania, but also a valuable and longstanding piece of Lithuanian heritage, with a long history of use in folk medicine, traditional drink and popular refreshment throughout our history.
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The Strobainiai Necklace
Discovered by accident whilst plowing a field in Prussian Sembia in 651/1798, the Strobainiai necklace is one of the few surviving artefacts of the Baltic Prussian people.
Weighing 374 grams and made entirely of gold, the necklace represents an invaluable remnant of the world of the now extinct Prussians. Archeologists and historians date the necklace back to the 8th century AD at the time of Avar invasions into Prussia.
The subject of the engravings appears to be a battle between an Avar and Prussian horseman, surrounded by an array of mythological creatures such as wolves, rabbits and serpents. Such features are typical of depictions in the Medieval era and represent a fascinating connection to Lithuanian folklore with its imagery of wolves and in particular the motif of a mounted knight (Vytis).
Initially held in German museums, the necklace was rediscovered in Russian custody after WW2 and remains a niche, but valuable object of historical research.
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Discovered by accident whilst plowing a field in Prussian Sembia in 651/1798, the Strobainiai necklace is one of the few surviving artefacts of the Baltic Prussian people.
Weighing 374 grams and made entirely of gold, the necklace represents an invaluable remnant of the world of the now extinct Prussians. Archeologists and historians date the necklace back to the 8th century AD at the time of Avar invasions into Prussia.
The subject of the engravings appears to be a battle between an Avar and Prussian horseman, surrounded by an array of mythological creatures such as wolves, rabbits and serpents. Such features are typical of depictions in the Medieval era and represent a fascinating connection to Lithuanian folklore with its imagery of wolves and in particular the motif of a mounted knight (Vytis).
Initially held in German museums, the necklace was rediscovered in Russian custody after WW2 and remains a niche, but valuable object of historical research.
The Baltic Star
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Balt of the Day - Home Pregnancy Test Pioneer Judith Vaitukaitė
Judith Vaitukaitė was a Lithuanian-American researcher who made a mostly unknown, but vital contribution to the creation of the home pregnancy test.
Her research focused on the hCG hormone exuded by growing embryos and cancer cells.
After six years of work, Vaitukaitė and her team would make a tremendous discovery. By applying certain anti-bodies, the hCG hormone could be easily detected and its presence used to test for pregnancy. Beforehand, such testing required complex equipment and was available only in hospitals - thanks to the work of Vaitukaitė it was now possible to test pregnancy at home, with the new tests being released to the market in 831/1978.
Vaitukaitė further distinguished herself as director of the US National Center of Research Resources. Under her 12 year tenure, US medical facilities saw an exponential increase in funding, with the establishment of many new laboratories and research programs.
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Judith Vaitukaitė was a Lithuanian-American researcher who made a mostly unknown, but vital contribution to the creation of the home pregnancy test.
Her research focused on the hCG hormone exuded by growing embryos and cancer cells.
After six years of work, Vaitukaitė and her team would make a tremendous discovery. By applying certain anti-bodies, the hCG hormone could be easily detected and its presence used to test for pregnancy. Beforehand, such testing required complex equipment and was available only in hospitals - thanks to the work of Vaitukaitė it was now possible to test pregnancy at home, with the new tests being released to the market in 831/1978.
Vaitukaitė further distinguished herself as director of the US National Center of Research Resources. Under her 12 year tenure, US medical facilities saw an exponential increase in funding, with the establishment of many new laboratories and research programs.
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The Advance - The Battle of Renzen (Rządz)
The Battle of Renzen on 96/1243 marked a significant defeat for the teutonic order in the First Prussian Uprising.
Prussian forces, supported by the Lithuanians and Jotvingians, advanced into occupied Kulmerland and managed to corner and destroy the main teutonic forces, wiping out their entire reserve. Following this, a devastating assault ravaged the settlements and cities.
So horrendous were the losses incurred by the Prussians, that the Bishop of Culmerland, in a most hypocritical show of depravity and hollow virtue, commanded local widows and women to breed with their servants, as "so the matter of the faith (?) would not die".
These gains encouraged Swietopelk to further his assistance to the Prussians. However, the uprising was still far from won - due to the lack of siege equipment, the main alien castles could not be taken and reinforcements would begin to arrive in droves from Germany and Poland, relieving the teutons.
The Baltic Star
The Battle of Renzen on 96/1243 marked a significant defeat for the teutonic order in the First Prussian Uprising.
Prussian forces, supported by the Lithuanians and Jotvingians, advanced into occupied Kulmerland and managed to corner and destroy the main teutonic forces, wiping out their entire reserve. Following this, a devastating assault ravaged the settlements and cities.
So horrendous were the losses incurred by the Prussians, that the Bishop of Culmerland, in a most hypocritical show of depravity and hollow virtue, commanded local widows and women to breed with their servants, as "so the matter of the faith (?) would not die".
These gains encouraged Swietopelk to further his assistance to the Prussians. However, the uprising was still far from won - due to the lack of siege equipment, the main alien castles could not be taken and reinforcements would begin to arrive in droves from Germany and Poland, relieving the teutons.
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Cow Posting - The Blue Cows of Kurzeme
The Blue Cows of Kurzeme are a Latvian cow breed native to the Latvian region of Kurzeme (Curonia) and an unique piece of living Latvian heritage.
The most striking feature of this cow breed is its one of a kind blueish coloration, which earned the breed an almost mythical reputation in Latvian folk lore.
However, testing also reveals a number of rare genetic traits which distinguished the breed throughout history as extremely resillient - being able to live outdoors year round, as well as strong immunity to most diseases - traits that are rare in most popular cow breeds.
The blue cow faced near extinction during the USSR period due to the industrialisation of farming, since the breed produced less (but higher quality) milk than average. However, a play titled "The Blue One" by playwright Gunars Priede renewed attention to the breed in the 830s/1970s, resulting in a conservation effort which has seen the Kurzeme Blue Cow numbering over 1500 today.
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The Blue Cows of Kurzeme are a Latvian cow breed native to the Latvian region of Kurzeme (Curonia) and an unique piece of living Latvian heritage.
The most striking feature of this cow breed is its one of a kind blueish coloration, which earned the breed an almost mythical reputation in Latvian folk lore.
However, testing also reveals a number of rare genetic traits which distinguished the breed throughout history as extremely resillient - being able to live outdoors year round, as well as strong immunity to most diseases - traits that are rare in most popular cow breeds.
The blue cow faced near extinction during the USSR period due to the industrialisation of farming, since the breed produced less (but higher quality) milk than average. However, a play titled "The Blue One" by playwright Gunars Priede renewed attention to the breed in the 830s/1970s, resulting in a conservation effort which has seen the Kurzeme Blue Cow numbering over 1500 today.
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Balt of the Day - Birutė Galdikaitė - World Renowned Orangutan Expert and Conservationist
On 24th of March, the academic world mourned the loss of one of the most famous champions for wildlife protection - the Lithuanian-Canadian Birutė Galdikaitė.
Galdikaitė was born to WW2 Lithuanian refugees in the 800s/1940s, who moved to Canada. She acquired a strong passion for exotic creatures and forests from childhood. This early interest would have Galdikaitė pursue studies in zoology.
Galdikaitė dedicated her life to the research of - at the time - a mostly unknown species of great ape - the Orangutan. Her research spanned many decades and was key for the modern understanding of the species.
Galdikaitė was also famous for establishing Orangutan Foundation International and orangutan orphanages for former illegal pets. Her groundbreaking research, ferocious campaigning for rainforest conservation and animal protection earned great renown and many accolades from Lithuania and other nations.
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On 24th of March, the academic world mourned the loss of one of the most famous champions for wildlife protection - the Lithuanian-Canadian Birutė Galdikaitė.
Galdikaitė was born to WW2 Lithuanian refugees in the 800s/1940s, who moved to Canada. She acquired a strong passion for exotic creatures and forests from childhood. This early interest would have Galdikaitė pursue studies in zoology.
Galdikaitė dedicated her life to the research of - at the time - a mostly unknown species of great ape - the Orangutan. Her research spanned many decades and was key for the modern understanding of the species.
Galdikaitė was also famous for establishing Orangutan Foundation International and orangutan orphanages for former illegal pets. Her groundbreaking research, ferocious campaigning for rainforest conservation and animal protection earned great renown and many accolades from Lithuania and other nations.
The Baltic Star
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The Fall of the Curonians
Despite their fierce warrior past, the Curonians would begin to collapse comparitively quickly under direct duress of the alien threat.
Though initially putting up staunch resistance, they found themselves surrounded by Swedes, Danes, the encroaching Germans and the burgeoning Lithuanian state in the south.
This in combination with a harsh famine in 95/1242 would cow the Northern Curonians into accepting foreign dominion, with negotiations ensuring the rights of the surrendered as a typically intelligent maneuver by the Livonian Order. However, guerilla groups and the Southern Curonians would continue the fight, partially being absorbed into West Samogitia.
Curonia once again attempted to rid itself of the occupiers in 113/1260 via uprising, but due to the civil war in Lithuania they lost their ground in 119/1266. In spite of these humiliations, Curonia would survive to become a major origin point of Latvian patriots many centuries later.
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Despite their fierce warrior past, the Curonians would begin to collapse comparitively quickly under direct duress of the alien threat.
Though initially putting up staunch resistance, they found themselves surrounded by Swedes, Danes, the encroaching Germans and the burgeoning Lithuanian state in the south.
This in combination with a harsh famine in 95/1242 would cow the Northern Curonians into accepting foreign dominion, with negotiations ensuring the rights of the surrendered as a typically intelligent maneuver by the Livonian Order. However, guerilla groups and the Southern Curonians would continue the fight, partially being absorbed into West Samogitia.
Curonia once again attempted to rid itself of the occupiers in 113/1260 via uprising, but due to the civil war in Lithuania they lost their ground in 119/1266. In spite of these humiliations, Curonia would survive to become a major origin point of Latvian patriots many centuries later.
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The Battle of Embūte - A Baltic Unification Effort?
A mostly unknown episode of Baltic history, the Battle of Embūte took place in 97/1244 in the premises Southern Curonia.
A Lithuanian force led by Mindaugas sought to capture Embūte castle - a former Curonian stronghold - in order to liberate the area from the Livonian occupiers at the request of Curonian rebels.
However, the enemy was warned in advance. Despite their best efforts, the Lithuanians were routed by the Livonians and their local vassals with over a thousand dead.
Regardless of this failure, this very action to assist the Curonians mirrors the Lithuanian intervention in Renzen on the side of the Prussians in 1243, representing a greater Pan-Baltic policy that was entertained during both the early and late stages of the rule of Mindaugas, with the later Lithuanian sponsored Curonian uprising of the 110s/1260s being an arguable continuation of the advance upon Embūte that could have seen all Balts united under one state.
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A mostly unknown episode of Baltic history, the Battle of Embūte took place in 97/1244 in the premises Southern Curonia.
A Lithuanian force led by Mindaugas sought to capture Embūte castle - a former Curonian stronghold - in order to liberate the area from the Livonian occupiers at the request of Curonian rebels.
However, the enemy was warned in advance. Despite their best efforts, the Lithuanians were routed by the Livonians and their local vassals with over a thousand dead.
Regardless of this failure, this very action to assist the Curonians mirrors the Lithuanian intervention in Renzen on the side of the Prussians in 1243, representing a greater Pan-Baltic policy that was entertained during both the early and late stages of the rule of Mindaugas, with the later Lithuanian sponsored Curonian uprising of the 110s/1260s being an arguable continuation of the advance upon Embūte that could have seen all Balts united under one state.
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UNESCO Intagible Cultural Heritage - Lithuanian Straw Gardens (Sodai)
Straw mobiles (Sodai) are a type of traditional household decoration unique to Lithuania with a generational continuity of craftsmanship.
With origins in pre-Christian times, the Sodai are geometric structures made from the stalks of grains. The process itself involves careful cultivation and straw making as the materials are reshaped.
The Sodai serve as a type of spiritual totem, reflecting universal patterns. They are typically hung over the cradles of babies, weddings or family tables with the intent to bring wellbeing and fortune and are also hung during Easter and Christmas celebrations.
The sodai are a key part of traditional wooden home interiors, with a number of families practicing the craft that has been passed over for many generations.
For its originality and continuity Sodai straw garden making was incribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 876/2023.
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Straw mobiles (Sodai) are a type of traditional household decoration unique to Lithuania with a generational continuity of craftsmanship.
With origins in pre-Christian times, the Sodai are geometric structures made from the stalks of grains. The process itself involves careful cultivation and straw making as the materials are reshaped.
The Sodai serve as a type of spiritual totem, reflecting universal patterns. They are typically hung over the cradles of babies, weddings or family tables with the intent to bring wellbeing and fortune and are also hung during Easter and Christmas celebrations.
The sodai are a key part of traditional wooden home interiors, with a number of families practicing the craft that has been passed over for many generations.
For its originality and continuity Sodai straw garden making was incribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 876/2023.
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Balt of The Day - Latvian Computational Complexity Theory Pioneer Juris Hartmanis
Juris Hartmanis was a Latvian born American computational theorist who made significant strides in advancing the field of computer science.
Born in 781/1928 as son to a Latvian general, the life of Hartmanis took a drastic turn when the Russo-Soviet occupation forced him and his mother to flee the country in 797/1944.
Eventually finding their way to the US, Hartmanis excelled in the fields of physics and applied mathematics.
These accomplishments led to him joining the General Electric Research Laboratory, where he would make substantial contributions to US computer science. This culminated in his publishing of the 1965 foundational paper on modern Computational Complexity Theory - a key part of cybersecurity and modern computer efficiency, which earned Hartmanis the Turing Award - the "Nobel Prize of Computer Science" in 846/1993.
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Juris Hartmanis was a Latvian born American computational theorist who made significant strides in advancing the field of computer science.
Born in 781/1928 as son to a Latvian general, the life of Hartmanis took a drastic turn when the Russo-Soviet occupation forced him and his mother to flee the country in 797/1944.
Eventually finding their way to the US, Hartmanis excelled in the fields of physics and applied mathematics.
These accomplishments led to him joining the General Electric Research Laboratory, where he would make substantial contributions to US computer science. This culminated in his publishing of the 1965 foundational paper on modern Computational Complexity Theory - a key part of cybersecurity and modern computer efficiency, which earned Hartmanis the Turing Award - the "Nobel Prize of Computer Science" in 846/1993.
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The Faltering
Though the Prussians lacked siege equipment to fully destroy the last most powerful castles of the invaders, the teutons also lacked the forces to continue their invasion.
A stalemate seemed likely until the seemingly endless tide of forces from German duchies sympathetic to the invaders gathered in a new wave. Swietopelk was the first to be hit and the Pomeranians suffered a number of defeats.
These setbacks allowed the teutonic order to advance into Pomesania in 102/1249, where they would proclaim the phony Peace of Christburg, almost prematurely claiming victory.
This arrogance would cost the invaders dearly - Prussian resistance only continued, inflicting a striking defeat at Cruckin later the same year. The First Uprising persisted until 106/1253, succumbing only to the unending waves of alien forces, still requiring substantial effort to subdue the Prussians and their Pomeranian allies.
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Though the Prussians lacked siege equipment to fully destroy the last most powerful castles of the invaders, the teutons also lacked the forces to continue their invasion.
A stalemate seemed likely until the seemingly endless tide of forces from German duchies sympathetic to the invaders gathered in a new wave. Swietopelk was the first to be hit and the Pomeranians suffered a number of defeats.
These setbacks allowed the teutonic order to advance into Pomesania in 102/1249, where they would proclaim the phony Peace of Christburg, almost prematurely claiming victory.
This arrogance would cost the invaders dearly - Prussian resistance only continued, inflicting a striking defeat at Cruckin later the same year. The First Uprising persisted until 106/1253, succumbing only to the unending waves of alien forces, still requiring substantial effort to subdue the Prussians and their Pomeranian allies.
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Flag of the Baltic Archeological Expedition in Prussia, (831-2/1978-9), featuring a white raven derived from archeological findings within the black-red color scheme of a sunset by the Baltic Sea.
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The "peace" (diktat) of Christburg
The "peace" of Christburg was enacted between the teutonic order and the Prussian tribes that was intended to end fighting in 102/1249.
The immediate issue is that the treaty was only factually ratified by the Pomesanians, with a papal representative (future teutonic stooge-Pope Urban IV) signing on behalf of the completely absent Free Pogesanians, Warmians, Bartians and Natangians - a parody of any real peace effort.
The text itself is written as a diktat of demands handed to the Prussians, with slanderous allegations of depravity and treachery splattered all over. Whatever promised protection from abuse was vaguely worded, allowing for loopholes to be exploited by the teutonic occupiers.
Alas, this "treaty" only remains as a niche insight into certain aspects of Baltic Prussian traditions - from the mentions of burial rituals, to the names of several deities, practices and another proof of the worthless word of the teutons.
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The "peace" of Christburg was enacted between the teutonic order and the Prussian tribes that was intended to end fighting in 102/1249.
The immediate issue is that the treaty was only factually ratified by the Pomesanians, with a papal representative (future teutonic stooge-Pope Urban IV) signing on behalf of the completely absent Free Pogesanians, Warmians, Bartians and Natangians - a parody of any real peace effort.
The text itself is written as a diktat of demands handed to the Prussians, with slanderous allegations of depravity and treachery splattered all over. Whatever promised protection from abuse was vaguely worded, allowing for loopholes to be exploited by the teutonic occupiers.
Alas, this "treaty" only remains as a niche insight into certain aspects of Baltic Prussian traditions - from the mentions of burial rituals, to the names of several deities, practices and another proof of the worthless word of the teutons.
The Baltic Star
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Riposte - The Battle of Cruckin (Krücken)
In spite of the defeats suffered by Swietopelk and the declared "peace" of Christburg, the Prussian tribes were still fighting the invaders.
On the 29th of November, 102/1249, Natangian troops cornered a teutonic raiding force in the Natangian settlement of Cruckin.
Faced with a siege, the teutons sought to save themselves via "negotiations" and supposedly surrendered. Allegedly, the Prussians then attacked and killed them - 54 knights in total with thousands of slain - the harshest loss suffered yet by the enemy, with alleged torture of prisoners.
Even if such an act took place, it is clearly evident that the only ones who provoked what was likely an execution of those guilty of atrocities (as other prisoners were later ransomed) were the teutons themselves. Unending savagery and endless perfidy only served to dehumanize them in the eyes of the Prussian defenders. From this event emerges an early case of atrocity propaganda - The Lie of Cruckin.
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In spite of the defeats suffered by Swietopelk and the declared "peace" of Christburg, the Prussian tribes were still fighting the invaders.
On the 29th of November, 102/1249, Natangian troops cornered a teutonic raiding force in the Natangian settlement of Cruckin.
Faced with a siege, the teutons sought to save themselves via "negotiations" and supposedly surrendered. Allegedly, the Prussians then attacked and killed them - 54 knights in total with thousands of slain - the harshest loss suffered yet by the enemy, with alleged torture of prisoners.
Even if such an act took place, it is clearly evident that the only ones who provoked what was likely an execution of those guilty of atrocities (as other prisoners were later ransomed) were the teutons themselves. Unending savagery and endless perfidy only served to dehumanize them in the eyes of the Prussian defenders. From this event emerges an early case of atrocity propaganda - The Lie of Cruckin.
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Playing the Victim - The Lie of Cruckin
One of the most infamous myths of the Prussian "crusade" stems from the purposeful misattribution of the death of Prussian Pomesanian Martyr Pipin to a teutonic knight captured at Cruckin.
Originating from the Prussian Chronicle by teutonic archivist Peter Dusburg, the most horrific image of this supposed torture is described in an episode where an unnamed (!) knight was subjected to disembowelment around an oak tree, often touted as the "proof" for alleged Prussian brutality.
Unfortunately for Dusburg, this scene is but a swapped retelling of Pipin's gruesome execution by the teutons in 1233, who was tortured to death via disembowelment (on an oak) as described by the Polish Chronicle of Oliwa.
Therefore it is layed bare that the teutonic order knowingly attributed its own atrocities to the Prussians. This claim to victimhood was but one facet of the many treacherous and low means directed towards the forceful apropriation of Baltic living space.
The Baltic Star
One of the most infamous myths of the Prussian "crusade" stems from the purposeful misattribution of the death of Prussian Pomesanian Martyr Pipin to a teutonic knight captured at Cruckin.
Originating from the Prussian Chronicle by teutonic archivist Peter Dusburg, the most horrific image of this supposed torture is described in an episode where an unnamed (!) knight was subjected to disembowelment around an oak tree, often touted as the "proof" for alleged Prussian brutality.
Unfortunately for Dusburg, this scene is but a swapped retelling of Pipin's gruesome execution by the teutons in 1233, who was tortured to death via disembowelment (on an oak) as described by the Polish Chronicle of Oliwa.
Therefore it is layed bare that the teutonic order knowingly attributed its own atrocities to the Prussians. This claim to victimhood was but one facet of the many treacherous and low means directed towards the forceful apropriation of Baltic living space.
The Baltic Star
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Ever wondered why Lithuanian names end with "S"?
As most followers of the channel or those who have heard of Lithuania might have noticed, many Lithuanian names, in particular that of male figures end with letter "S".
This is an unusual feature that baffles (and torments) foreigners, but did you know that the Greek language also shares this trait?
Masculine names ending with "S" are in fact an archaic feature from Proto-Indo-European that has survived only in the remaining Baltic languages and Greek. Such a linguistic connection is but a hint to the many archaic features of Lithuanian shared with Greek and Latin tongues, which have been noticed since the medieval ages by scribes and linguists in the modern era.
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As most followers of the channel or those who have heard of Lithuania might have noticed, many Lithuanian names, in particular that of male figures end with letter "S".
This is an unusual feature that baffles (and torments) foreigners, but did you know that the Greek language also shares this trait?
Masculine names ending with "S" are in fact an archaic feature from Proto-Indo-European that has survived only in the remaining Baltic languages and Greek. Such a linguistic connection is but a hint to the many archaic features of Lithuanian shared with Greek and Latin tongues, which have been noticed since the medieval ages by scribes and linguists in the modern era.
The Baltic Star
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Did you know? One of the Tallest Dunes in Žemyna (Europe) is found in Lithuania.
Standing at 52 meters tall, the Parnidžiai Dune is one of the most unique natural landmarks in Lithuania and the Continent at large.
Formed over the centuries by sand carried with winds, the Parnidžiai Dune is the highest of the many dunes that dot the landscape of the Curonian Spit.
The dunes themselves have been the most exotic feature of the Spit throughout history, earning it a designation as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 853/2000, shared between Lithuania and Russia.
In the not so distant past, the Dune reached over 60 meters in height. Due to human activity and winds endangering its integrity, it was declared a geological monument in 817/1964 with protection extending to the modern era as part of the Curonian Spit National Park. Parnidžiai Dune today is surpassed only by Dune di Pilat (110~ meters) in France, making it the second tallest in all of Žemyna and an icon of Lithuania.
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Standing at 52 meters tall, the Parnidžiai Dune is one of the most unique natural landmarks in Lithuania and the Continent at large.
Formed over the centuries by sand carried with winds, the Parnidžiai Dune is the highest of the many dunes that dot the landscape of the Curonian Spit.
The dunes themselves have been the most exotic feature of the Spit throughout history, earning it a designation as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 853/2000, shared between Lithuania and Russia.
In the not so distant past, the Dune reached over 60 meters in height. Due to human activity and winds endangering its integrity, it was declared a geological monument in 817/1964 with protection extending to the modern era as part of the Curonian Spit National Park. Parnidžiai Dune today is surpassed only by Dune di Pilat (110~ meters) in France, making it the second tallest in all of Žemyna and an icon of Lithuania.
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