Lithuanian similarities

Parsiana subscriber Rev David Brock of Portland, Oregon has sent in a couple of printouts from the website www.romuva.lt One deals with the fire rituals of the Lithuanians, the other with its prayers and songs. We reproduce excerpts which reveal some uncanny similarities with Zoroastrian ideas and practices — perhaps an atavistic reminder of a common ancestry in the dim past — except that in Lithuanian the sacred fire (Ugnis Gabija) has a female gender:

"During every traditional Baltic holiday a fire (ugnis) is lit, whether such is in an altar, or bonfire, or by candle. Fire is the most important symbol of Lithuanian traditions. During ancient times, the Baltic people were known as fire worshipers. The Eternal Flame burned at Sventaragis Valley at the very center of Vilnius. Every household had a hearth, which was particularly respected by each member of the family, but cared for and safeguarded by the mother. The fire had greater meaning than merely the source of light and warmth. It symbolized the unbroken lifeline of the family and its ancestry. The Eternal Flame of the community served to unify not only its immediate members, but was also the unifying link with ancestors who had long since died and were now with the Gods. It was believed that numerous generations of the dead continued to live on at the hearth of the fire.

"‘Throughout all of Lithuania, people held fire to be sacred. Thus it was obligatory to honor it and behave before it with respect. Coals had to be closely accumulated. Fire could be extinguished only with cold and clean water. Fire was not to be insulted. It was not to be harmed nor polluted. People were not to spit nor urinate into fire, nor was it permitted to kick it or to stomp upon it. All that was considered sinful, and any such actions were sure to invite punishment, either while the person was still alive or after their death’ (author J. Balys, Lietuviu Tautosakos Lobynas, Treasure Chest of Lithuanian Folklore, 1951, p 39).

Fire ritual: "Thank you little fire, for this our day”

"‘No live coals nor smoldering ashes were to be extinguished on holiday days for that was considered a sin — it was necessary to wait until the fire burned out on its own accord.’ (Salakas). Thus, we should adhere to such tradition during rituals as well.

"When salt is sprinkled on the fire and it begins to crackle, it is said: ‘Sacred Gabija, be nourished.’ The expression ‘to make the bed for the fire’ — meant that it was to be carefully edged and ashes poured around delicately (Laukuva).

"When the fireplace was being lit at home, everyone had to remain quiet and were not to turn away, even in the event they were to hear someone calling (1854 by A. Kirkoras). A cup of clean water was to be placed near to the fire, in order that ‘the beloved little fire would have the means to wash itself.’

"The fire for rituals was lit either on a hearth of stone or on an altar. Good oak logs were to be selected with care for the fire. A sutartine (archaic round refrain song) was changed while lighting the fire, ‘Rimo rimo tuta, Rimo rimo tuta, Sutarjela, Sutarjela’ (SIS., 1587). A prayer was said to the fire, ‘Sacred Gabija! As you were gathered, stay whole, as you were lit, stay bright.’

"Another prayer was, ‘Thank you, little fire, for this our day, let us greet our good little night, and protect ourselves from those who wish us bad, and let those who are lost find their road.’ The words can be improvised to express both desires, as well as wishes for others. All the participants to the rituals can approach the fire one by one, express their goodwill and offer their donation. Contact with Gods and with one’s ancestors is sought through the fire.

"Sacrificial donations to the fire can be bread, grains, beer grasses and flowers. Circling the fire clockwise, three times, strengthens the ritual. All those who have gathered can also walk in a circle around the hearth.”