Skapiškio parapijos bažnytinės šventės XX amžiuje

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Skapiškis; Religinės šventės; Tradicijos; Skapiškis; Church festivals; Traditions.

ENReligious life in Skapiškis town was active from the very start of the establishment of the parish. Before the World War I, there were two churches, where many famous priests used to serve. There were quite a few religious monuments important for religious life of the parish. Although the St. Laurence the Martyr Church did not survive, but it is perpetuated in the main feasts of the parish; whereas the St. Hyacinth Church survived and today is the centre of religious life of the parish. The annual feast Atlaidai in the parish was and remains most important in the parish. During the 20th century, the feast traditions in Skapiškis parish were very strong. Preparations for the feast were especially important, when the church used to be cleared and dressed, homes of parishioners tidied up, guests invited and preparations made for their hospitable reception. Before the feast, all the parish people usually are active and trying to contribute to the pending feast. Young people in various religious and public organisations, such as Angelaičiai (Young Angels), Šauliai (Riflemen) and Jaunalietuviai (Young Lithuanians) show great activeness.There is an exclusive day when people are going to the church, taking part in the Holy Mass and a solemn procession. After the ceremonies, people meet with the familiars, talks with them, walk in the town and have dinner party that beside the function of religious feast strengthens family ties and sense of community. The cultural functions of the feast used to be important for young people waiting impatiently for the May picnic. The entertainment of parish youth in the nature attracted many town dwellers and guests. However, political changes, fighting of Soviet power against the religion, and migration processes and estrangement in religiosity of the society reflected also in the parish festivals. Although the annual religious feasts survived, their solemnity was declining and numbers of participants reducing After Lithuania restored its independence, the religious feast in Skapiškis parish did not regain former significance in the festive culture of the parish. The trading during the feast, youth socialisation forms and entertainments also did not reach the active level of the pre-Soviet period. At the end of the 20th century, the functions of the Atlaidai feast organisation by young people was taken over by the culture houses and town society. [From the publication]