Eglute

aleksas Eglute 2000
Vinco Kreves Lithuanian School students scurried to the upstairs classrooms immediately after Sunday Mass in preparation for the annual Eglute (literally Christmas Tree) performance.
Parents, relatives, and other guests filled the parish hall as Violeta Razgaitiene, teacher and choir director, emceed the concert/show. Students opened the show with their rousing rendition of Padainuosime Mes Sustoje. The students also recited poetry, read original essays, and sang songs -- demonstrating what they have learned this school year. And not just what they have learned at Lithuanian school ... fifth-grader Laura S. played her version of Jingle Bells on the saxophone.

First-graders Aleksiukas and Vaidas ... reciting poetry from memory can be nerve-racking!

aciu Energy and spirit charged the stage as the children performed. Spectators overlooked insignificant mistakes for the overall effort and enthusiasm the children put into their presentations. And of course, we were all entertained by several students' vying for microphone time.
Even the audience got involved as the children presented Misles (riddles) for them to guess.

Cracked once, silver is found; cracked twice, gold is found. What is it?
Two sisters, separated by a mountain, never meet. What is it?

The seventh and eighth grade girls presented a unique interpretation – a Vaidilutes dance. Vaidilutes were tenders of the sacred fire of Perkunas, the God of Thunder, in Lithuanian pagan belief. The dance, directed by Estera Washofsky, symbolizes the ritual and significance of the sacred hearth in Lithuanian pagan beliefs. Aleksiukas thanks Brigita Kasinskas for her musical accompaniment with a gift of roses.

Sixth-graders Ina, Adria, and Aras recite the poem Kucios (Christmas Eve).
laura

Fifth-grader Laura puts her heart and soul into her rendition of Jingle Bells.

First-graders Monika and Marija recite a poem about ... ladybugs.
M&M

     Principal Danute Surdeniene thanked the guests for their support and thanked the teachers and parents for their help and dedication. She also extended a special thanks to musical accompanists Dr. Juozas Kasinskas and Mrs. Brigita Kasinskas.
     The concert ended as the children and audience sang the Lithuanian national anthem. But the program continued with a very special visit ... from Santa Claus!
     Eglute 2000 showcased the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of our youth – the future of our Lithuanian community. With such nurturing and spirit, Lithuanian culture, heritage, and language will continue to flourish in the Philadelphia area for years to come.

Answers to Misles: 1. Egg (hard-boiled). 2. Eyes..

Second-graders Paulius and Virgus recite poetry with a flair

Seventh and eighth-grade girls ... modern-day Vaidilutes, interpret a dance symbolizing the rituals of the Lithuanian pagan tenders of the sacred fire of Perkunas, God of Thunder.

Students Laima, Nancy, and Birute from the Pagelbine Klase (learning to speak Lithuanian) sing Tam Namely, Tam Mazam, a song about a bunny rabbit.

School principal Danute Surdeniene and teacher and choir director Violeta Razgaitiene thank all for coming.

"Lietuva, Tevyne Musu," the first words of the Lithuanian national anthem, echo through the parish hall as the students and audience end the concert.