Origin & history
Easter Monday has its roots in the Christian liturgical calendar as the day after Easter Sunday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Lithuania, Christianity was officially adopted in 1387, and over centuries, Easter traditions blended with pre-Christian spring fertility rites. The day after Easter became a continuation of the Paschal celebration, allowing families to extend their festivities and incorporate local customs.
Historical records show that by the 16th century, Easter Monday was observed as a day of rest and recreation in Lithuania. The Catholic Church formally recognized it as a holiday, and it was often associated with the 'Bright Week' (Šviesioji savaitė), when religious restrictions on food and work were lifted. In rural areas, it coincided with the end of Lent and the beginning of spring planting, making it a time for communal joy and thanksgiving.
Lithuanian folklore also ties Easter Monday to ancient Baltic traditions celebrating the return of the sun and the awakening of nature. The day was sometimes called 'Velykų Antroji Diena' (Second Day of Easter) and featured rituals that predated Christianity, such as rolling eggs to symbolize the sun's cycle and swinging to promote health and fertility. These elements merged seamlessly with the Christian Easter narrative.
Customs & traditions
On Easter Monday, Lithuanians typically gather with family for a festive lunch or dinner. Leftover foods from Easter Sunday, such as roast pork, sausages, and 'margučiai' (decorated eggs), are enjoyed. A popular activity is 'egg rolling' (margučių ridenimas), where participants roll hard-boiled eggs down a slope or on a table; the egg that rolls the farthest or remains unbroken brings good luck. Children and adults also engage in egg fights, tapping the pointed ends of eggs against each other; the last intact egg wins.
Another cherished tradition is 'swinging' (supynės). In many villages, large wooden swings are set up for the day, and people of all ages take turns swinging. This custom is believed to ensure good health, fertility, and protection from evil spirits. Singing and dancing are common around the swings, accompanied by traditional folk music. In urban areas, families may visit parks, attend outdoor concerts, or take leisurely walks to enjoy the spring weather.
Churches hold special Masses in the morning, although the observance is less solemn than on Easter Sunday. Some communities organize charity events or egg-decorating contests. The overall mood is one of relaxation and joy, marking the transition from Lenten abstinence to a season of abundance and renewal.
Why it is celebrated
Easter Monday represents the extension of the central Christian feast of the Resurrection, emphasizing the joy of new life and the triumph of light over darkness. For Lithuanians, it is a day to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening communal bonds after the austerity of Lent.
Beyond its religious meaning, Easter Monday holds cultural significance as a celebration of spring and rebirth. The ancient customs of egg rolling and swinging tie the holiday to agrarian cycles and the hope for a fruitful year. It is a day when Lithuanian identity and heritage are proudly expressed through traditions passed down for generations.