[ A.K.A SEKMINËS – Seventh Sunday after Easter In Lithuania and
in neighboring countries, traditions of Pentecost are related
with the end of sowing and the start of summer labors. This is a
spring gathering and shepherds' holiday. The most distinctive
feature of Pentecost is nature worship. The power of nature was
attributed to young, green birch trees. It was believed that the
birch tree can pass her vitality to the soil, to animals,
protect from illness and all evils. On the eve of Pentecost,
village girls dispersed in fields and woods in search of flowers
and greenery that were used to make wreaths. Young men picked
branches off birch trees, which they placed around doors, gates,
inside porches and in living rooms. Wreaths and bunches of
flowers decorated the entire house. Tables were covered with
linen tablecloths, garden paths were sprinkled with sand and
greens. It was believed that the souls of the dead, while
visiting homes on Pentecost, rested on birch tree branches.
Shepherds decorated cows with bi