Tracing the influence of the folklore revival on Lithuania's national independence movement

Link to:
Collection:
Mokslo publikacijos / Scientific publications
Document Type:
Žurnalų straipsniai / Journal articles
Language:
Anglų kalba / English
Title:
Tracing the influence of the folklore revival on Lithuania's national independence movement
Alternative Title:
Izsekojot folkloras kustības ietekmei uz Lietuvas nacionālās neatkarības kustību
Authors:
Ramonaitė, Ainė
In the Journal:
Letonica, 2025, 57, 44-66
Subject Category:
LT
Judėjimai / Movements.
Summary / Abstract:

ENThe article explores the connections between the Lithuanian folklore revival movement, which emerged in the 1960s, and the Lithuanian national independence movement of the late 1980s. Using resource mobilization theory, it seeks to identify tangible links and resources that connected these two movements, rather than focusing on psychological or abstract symbolic ties. Based on over 100 oral history interviews conducted by the author and colleagues, the article reconstructs the history of the folklore revival in Lithuania and identifies specific empirical mechanisms through which it influenced the national independence movement. First, it highlights the role of folklore in the rise of environmental and heritage protection movements. Second, it underscores the importance of the folklore festival Skamba skamba kankliai in the establishment of the Lithuanian Reform Movement Sąjūdis in June 1988. Third, it examines the involvement of leaders from the ethnocultural movement in Sąjūdis. Lastly, it discusses the role of folklore ensembles in mass rallies from 1988 to 1991. Keywords: ethnocultural movement, Sąjūdis, Singing Revolution, oral history, Soviet regime.

DOI:
10.35539/LTNC.2025.0057.03
ISSN:
1407-3110
Subject:
Politikos mokslai / Political sciences
Related Publications:
Permalink:
https://www.lituanistika.lt/content/14603
Updated:
2026-04-24 09:40:18
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