On 1 April, Martynas Mažvydas’ “Catechism”, the first printed Lithuanian book, will be on display at Franciszek Smuglewicz Hall of VU Library. The tradition to show the original copy of the book every year for a day gives a perfect opportunity for the general public to get a closer look at this significant piece of our cultural heritage.
Martynas Mažvydas’ “Catechism”
Published in 1547 in Königsberg, Mažvydas’ “Catechism” is the first printed Lithuanian book, the publishing of which has started a new period in the history of the Lithuanian language. Only two copies of this unique book are known to exist in the world. One copy is kept at Vilnius University Library, while the other at Toruń University Library. The copy belonging to Vilnius University Library was acquired through book exchange from Maxim Gorky Odessa Scientific Library (Ukraine). The “Catechism” was recovered owing to the efforts of the then director of Vilnius University Library Levas Vladimirovas, who initiated recovery of the books that were lost after the closure of Vilnius University in the 19th century.
On 1-2 April, while celebrating Vilnius University’s birthday and the inauguration of VU Rector prof Rimvydas Petrauskas, the Library will also show a part of the academic attire – a cape and a biretta – of the first Rector of VU Petrus Skarga. These historic relics, preserved for more than 400 years, were shown to the public for the last time in 1936. After nearly a century, they will be presented to the public again.
Fragment of Petrus Skarga academic attire, 16th century. LNDM/A. Lukšėnas photogr.
The research that was carried out at the end of last year established that a pelerine (a cape with a hood) kept at the Lithuanian National Museum of Arts and a cap (a biretta) kept at the National Museum of Lithuania were parts of Petrus Skarga ceremonious academic outfit. This discovery was made by dr Miglė Lebednykaitė, the head of the Ethic Culture and Anthropology Department of the National Museum of Lithuania.
Date:
Martynas Mažvydas “Catechism”: on 1 April from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Petrus Skarga academic attire: on 1 April from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on 2 April from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location:
VU Library, Franciszek Smuglewicz Hall (Universiteto str. 3, ground floor).
2025-03-24