Lithuanian messianism: its origin
ENThe past is the source of myths and ideologies, but it often turns into a myth itself. In Claude Levi-Strauss's words, the Lithuanians can be called a "hot ethos", i.e., a community shaping its ideals according to the values of the past. It was Jonas Basanavičius (1851-1927) who declared in "Ausra" that the main principle of the nation's cultural revival was expressed in an ancient sage's simple words: those who are ignorant of history will always remain children. For the Lithuanian nation formed on the basis of the peasantry in the second half of the 19th century ethnic consolidation and resistance were most important; therefore, history occupied a significant place in its ideology. Its interpretation was based on present realities. Thus, the following principle of selection regarding past events was formed: admiration for pagan Lithuania, glorification of Lithuanian Dukes, "Lithuanization" of the history and culture of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
