Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lithuanian Straw Art Connects Cosmos & Earth
Lithuanian Straw Art Connects Cosmos & Earth
23 Nov
Summary
- Delicate rye stalk ornaments represent the universe and abundance.
- Tradition connects to health, balance, and prosperity in life.
- Artistry emphasizes harmony, fertility, and spiritual well-being.
At the National Crafts Museum, Lithuanian artist Vida Snieckuviene presented 'sodai,' exquisite ornaments crafted from rye stalks. These delicate, geometric structures, suspended to cast dancing shadows, symbolize the universe and are believed to bring abundance and prosperity.
Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene underscored the profound cultural roots of this ancient tradition, associating sodai with well-being, harmony, and fertility. She noted that rye, a staple in Lithuanian cuisine, forms the foundation of this unique art, traditionally created in silent contemplation to imbue the pieces with spiritual essence.
The exhibition also celebrated the upcoming Lithuania-India 'People to People Connections' year in 2025-26. Attendees, including artist Shoili Kanungo and Odissi exponent Sharon Lowen, expressed fascination with this thousand-year-old craft, which they felt deeply connected personal and cultural identities.
