Kuršėnai

ENKuršėnai is a town in North Lithuania, on the border of Samogitia (Žemaitija) and Upper Lithuania (Aukštaitija), regions of Lithuania. It is located in a picturesque place on the both banks of the river Venta 25 km from Šiauliai, the fourth largest city in Lithuania. The land around Kuršėnai is rich in clay. Kuršėnai is known as the capital of Lithuania’s potters. The town is also known for its distinguished public figure, who compiled the first Lithuanian calendars, Laurynas Ivinskis. This public figure spent the end of his days in the countryside near Kuršėnai. The monument for Laurynas Ivinskis was erected in the centre of Kuršėnai and the Museum of Calendars was opened in 1996. According to the population census data of 2001 there are 14 800 inhabitants in the town Kuršėnai. This book is the first comprehensive historical study of Kuršėnai and its vicinities. Many authors - scientists of regional studies, historians, archaeologists, cultural workers, journalists, educators, and specialists from other fields have written articles for the book. The written material comprises life aspects of the past and the present of every description. The main subject of the study is Kuršėnai and the villages in its neighbourhood and its people and their living style. Readers, certainly, will find information about ancient times, archaeological findings, main historical events including a wider description of less researched postwar and Resistance periods. Also, information on the development of the town, the Kuršėnai manor house, church history, distinguished local people, the evolution of education and culture - both spiritual and material can be found.In addition, customs according to the phases of the moon, the importance of floral gardens in people’s lives, burial customs, the decoration of wooden houses, the use of technical devices in the period between wars, trades, the town parks and flora, the history of street names and many other subjects are described here as well. The book is supplemented with archival material, as well as, illustrations and photos. The study appeared as a result of the diligent and enthusiastic work of people who love and care about their land. The book is based mostly on the facts gathered during the expedition of regional studies in 1999. Such expeditions in the Šiauliai region are organised every year by the Culture department of Šiauliai district municipality and by country and local regional studies associations. During the expeditions Kuršėnai vicinities including villages, settlements, farmsteads and granges are visited, where antiques are gathered, stories told by and songs sang by old people are written down by the researchers. They record everything what contributes to a better understanding of people’s daily living and the customs and history of the region. This thorough study about Kuršėnai, a small part of Lithuania, is a real treasure for those yet unborn and an excellent source of information for those who want to know and understand Lithuania better.