LT-238768

Storks are one of Lithuania's symbols. The White Stork was declared the national bird of Lithuania in 1973.

 © Naisiu vasara

LT- 238768, sent by Giedre.

Lithuanians believe that storks bring harmony to the families on whose property they nest; they have also kept up the tradition of telling their children that storks bring babies. Stork Day is celebrated on March 25 with various archaic rituals: gifts for children, attributed to the storks, such as fruits, chocolates, pencils, and dyed eggs, are hung on tree branches and fences; snakes are caught, killed and buried under the doorstep; straw fires are lit. Notably, Lithuania is a beneficial and important habitat for these birds: it has the highest known nesting density in the world. - in: wikipedia