On 25 – 28 October 2010, the Lithuanian pavilion will have the guest Ms Matilda Teresė Jucienė, one of the best braiders of national sashes in Lithuania. Weaving and braiding of sashes is one of the oldest Lithuanian folk handicrafts that came from as long ago as the 13th century. The Lithuanian craftswoman, who has been weaving sashes for over 30 years, will not only display her works in Shanghai but will teach this art to visitors of the Expo exhibition too.

 

According to the Lithuanian folklore, a weaving person gets in touch with secret forces of destiny and wedding that bring happiness and health.

 

In the old times a sash was an indispensable part of the Lithuanian folk’s clothing – both men’s and women’s. Men used to band their shirts, whereas women girdled on their glad rags, used simpler sashes to tie their aprons, also they used plain sashes for carrying lunch for field workers and for other daily needs.

 

M. T. Jucienė, recognised in Lithuania and a winner of a number of awards, has organised many personal exhibitions of her works. She has participated in international exhibitions as well. The cherisher of national heritage has revived the technique of braiding long-striped sashes, which was forgotten and no longer used for over 100 years. Today, the Lithuanian woman teaches braiding of sashes to everyone interested in one of the most traditional types of the Lithuanian folk textile.