Lucky Charms of Lithuania

Lithuania was the last country in Europe to officially convert to Christianity (1387), and its pre-Christian Baltic religion left deep marks on folk charm traditions. The rooster carved atop a Lithuanian farm building (klėtis) was the protective bird that drove away evil. The linden tree (liepa, which gives Lithuania its name) was sacred to Laima, the goddess of fate and luck; sitting under a linden tree was believed to invite her blessing.

Amber — of which Lithuania is the world's leading producer — has been the primary protective stone of the Baltic region for six thousand years. Amber beads, amber-set silver jewelry, and amber pendants in every form are Lithuania's defining lucky charm. The Romuvan sacred fire tradition and the Užgavėnės spring carnival involve specific protective rituals against winter spirits and misfortune. Horseshoes and four-leaf clovers are standard.