CONCEPTS, TYPES, AND GENRES OF LITHUANIAN FOLKLORE

On October 11, ninth-grade teacher Marija spoke about the concepts, types, and genres of Lithuanian folklore.  She discussed the work of Lithuanian poet, folklorist, and cultural activist Ludwig Rėza (1776 - 1840), who was the first to extensively describe Lithuanian songs, which he admired for their naturalness and unconstrained simplicity.  These were delightful songs, filled with cheerful morality and decency and demonstrating the profound moral sensitivity inherent in the nation's ways of courtesy.  The verses are abundant with the characteristic diminutive terms that give Lithuanian songs their indescribable charm, with pleasing, gentle, and loving sounds that enchant every heart.  The teacher observed that even though these Lithuanian songs appear to be imbued with naiveté, they also show a surprising elegance and grace on a par with comparable works from Classical Greek culture.  After discussing the features of Lithuanian folklore, the ninth graders began to analyze the folktale, “Eglė, The Queen of Grass Snakes.”

The five year olds enjoyed the gifts of the Fall season.  They used acorns, leaves, and berries to fashion the shapes of puppies.  Kira named her creation, “Blinky.”  In the playground, Olivija, Kira, and Tadas enjoyed playing and sang, “Ei, vija, pinavija...”

A wonderful, warm, sunny day invited all of the children to the playground.