Within every
nation, there will always be that one peculiar aspect or characteristic that is
unique and stands out about that country, and distinguishes themselves apart
from everyone else. This is what and how we come to understand identity: an
awareness of difference; differentiating the concept of “we” and “they.” National
identity is the concept where an individual – or a group of people – is capable
in finding a connection or establishing a sense of belonging – a unity among
people represented by distinctive traditions, culture, language, and politics –
to one given country or nation. Going along this topic, the Baltic state of
Lithuania has experienced their fair share in finding themselves as a
self-sufficient country, and further developing their culture and nationality
as an independent identity. Throughout Lithuanian history, because of foreign
occupation, this occurrence strongly influenced the origin of the nation and
the development of Lithuania’s culture and traditions and, as a result, was
given the notion that the people were in need to uphold and continue cultural
traditions and heritage of their own. Furthermore, being under the rule or
control of a foreign power, Lithuanians were suppressed in the use of their
national language and even speaking in their native tongue was forbidden.
Therefore, in an accordingly manner, to uphold and continue their heritage,
Lithuanians were determined to share the cultural and national traditions.
In order to
understand, comprehend, and be able to completely appreciate Lithuanian
national identity, we must go back to the beginning to see how Lithuania’s
identity was formed. Dating back to the early 13th century, the
first Lithuanian state was established in 1230 under the influence of Duke
Mindaugas, the one who united the tribes of people and the lands in the
surrounding, Baltic area. Because of Duke Mindaugas’ actions, this signified
the beginning of a cultural identity development that was based on the ideals
of solidarity and unity. Succeeding after Mindaugas, Gediminas – the Grand Duke
of Lithuania – is seen as one of the
most significant individual throughout Lithuanian history. Reigning from 1316
until the time of his death in 1341, Gediminas was given recognition of further
developing the country by establishing a political entity, further expanding
and unifying the territorial region from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, and instilling
a vitality of statehood among its people. Continuing down the timeline of
Lithuania’s history, in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, another
significant individual is succeeding Grand Duke of Lithuania, Jogaila. During
Jogaila’s dominion, in 1386, Jogaila was set out to be betrothed and be married
to Jadvyga, the Queen of Poland. Prior to this arrangement, Jogaila was the
last Pagan ruler of Lithuania; be that as it may, because of Grand Duke Jogaila
and Queen Jadvyga’s marriage, this is the cause and result for Lithuania’s
present day religious denomination to be predominantly Christian, more
specifically Roman Catholic. After this marital unification, Lithuania and
Poland started to form or create a commonwealth between the two countries,
which further progressed to the developing identity of Lithuanian nationality
and culture. However, even with the unification, or binding, between the two
countries, there was discord among the Lithuanian-Polish people to the point
where those who were of Lithuanian heritage, among those who were Lithuanian were
looked down upon and alienated compared to their (at the time, considered)
superior other – the Polish. Unfortunately, throughout several time periods or
points of Lithuanian history, there have been unsuccessful attempts at gaining
their independence and overcoming the presence of different foreign
occupations. However, this never discouraged the quest in finding their own
national identity and the adamant essence of establishing and forming the
national character was not undermined.
To go further down
the timeline of Lithuanian history, during the late nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, the valuable element of literacy become a prominent aspect
and significant stage of development for the formation of cultural and national
identity. Although throughout an extended period of time, speaking Lithuania’s
native language and Lithuania’s literature was forbidden throughout the country
during the time of reign under Soviet Russian rule, and later under Germany
rule during World War I. Fortunately, in 1918, the end of World War I, both
Germany and the Soviet Union formally granted Lithuania its concomitant
independence, establishing its statehood. However, Lithuania’s independence was
short-lived until the historical occurrence of World War II, and was not
completely recognized or acknowledged until years after World War II.
At the beginning
of 1989, the popularized social movement, Sajūdis, was the political
organization that strived for the complete restoration and independence of
Lithuanian sovereignty. In consequence, this led the Soviet Union to closely
follow the movement with the intention of maintaining order among the Soviet
Union countries. Fortunately, in March 1990, it was finally declared that the
restoration of the Lithuanian statehood and its independence from the Soviet
Union. Nonetheless, during those times of foreign occupation, Lithuanian
schools continued to educate and teach the Lithuanian language, preserved the
practice of folk dance and music, and, overall, continued to persevere the
cultural traditions and national identity of the Lithuanian people.
In summary, the
prolonged development of the culture and establishment of the nation were
finally achieved throughout the timeline of Lithuanian history, which further
influenced the ethnic relationships and spoken language of Lithuanians,
Russians, Polish, and more (or less) from surrounding countries that are
present today. Furthermore, Lithuania’s history influenced the importance of
their cultural traditions that celebrated their heritage of food, music, song,
and dance. Because of Lithuania’s past, this resulted to the contribution of
forming the foundation of the Lithuanian national identity and what it has
become to be today.
Word Count: 935
Works
Cited
Bater, James H., and Aivars Stranga.
"Lithuania." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc., 14 Dec. 2016. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
"Country of Lithuania." Countries and
Their Culture. Countries and Their Culture, n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
USALIS, JOHN E. "Baltic Country's Culture
Celebrated." Republican & HeraldAug 15 2010. ProQuest. Web.
24 Jan. 2017 .
