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History/Founder/
important persons/saints: Romuva is one of the oldest
of the Pagan revivalist religions. When Wilhelm Storosta, a Lithuanian
playwright, inspired a twenties revival of what was until the fourteenth
century the official state religion of Lithuania, it was re-christened
Romuva, meaning 'Sanctuary.'
Current
leader/governing body: Romuva is led in Lithuania by Jonas Trinkunas, former
director of Division of Ethnic Culture of the Ministry of Culture and
Education of the Lithuanian Republic.
Number
of Adherents: Unknown.
Requirements
to join: Membership is open to the general public. The Romuva
organization holds yearly 'summer camps' to immerse participants in
traditional Lithuanian culture.
Scripture:
Romuvans rely on traditional
Lithuanian folklore traditions and myths.
Required
observances, dietary restrictions: None.
Holidays:
Romuva has many important festivals, incuding the equinoxes
and Solstices, Kucios, a festival for the dead, and Kaledos, a Yule
celebration.
Basic
teachings and Beliefs: Romuva
is very grounded in traditional Lithuanian culture, and not related
to other Neopagan traditions. They are nature-centered, and the Lithuanian
branch is closely associated with the Green political party. Traditional
practices include that of Krikðtas, or naming, and Vestuvës,
the three day wedding festival. Worship centers around a pantheon with
many Godesses and Gods, the most important of which are:
Symbols:
The main symbol of Romuva is a stylized oak tree with
a tiny flame on top, with three levels of branches, symbolizing the
three worlds: the world of the dead, the world of the living, and the
world of the future.
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