The Lithuanians had a rich archaic mythology and religion comparable to the religions of India, Greece, Rome, etc. Its most important feature was its close connection with nature: plants, animals, fire and water – the entire surrounding world was held sacred.

The Lithuanian Pantheon was similar to that of the other ancient counties of Europe, with gods for all states of life. “Dievas” was the lord of the sunny firmament, and the guard of order and harmony on earth and in heaven. “Perkūnas“ was the god of thunder and protector of soldiers and their commanders. “Velnias” (his name was later given to the devil, the evil spirit of Christianity) was the guardian of animal husbandary, craftsmanship and the dead. “ˇemyna“, „ˇemėlapis“ and other gods protected the earth, all that grows and breeds on it, and everyone who cultivates it. Not only the gods had control over the life of mankind. It was also in the hands of nearly all heavenly and earthy things, nearly all plants and animals and natural phenomena.

Trees, especiall ones with odds shapes, were identified as having miraculous power. Once they adopted Christianity, the Lithuanians would hoist miniature chapels housing their saints into such trees. Even as Christians, the Lithuanians believed that the ash, willow and juniper diverted misfortunes, warded off evil spirits, etc.

The World (Life, Sun) Tree grows in the centre of the earth – that is its axis. Its branches support the heavens and cloak the earth, its roots reach its inner depths. On its top sit the birds, animals, sun, moon and stars. Under it shelter grass-snakes and serpents. Usually it is on oak tree growing on a high hill near a wide river in a large forest. Offerings are made to it, and it is entrusted with power. Lithuanians also honoured sacred groves where the sacred fires burned. The woods were home to spirits and deities.

Particular shaped rocks also had miraculous powers. It was believed that they embodied the spirits of the dead, and were therefore placed over graves. Food was left for spirits of the forefathers and the deities in natural or man-made hollows in the rocks, which also served as altars for offerings.

Elk, oxen, boar, bear, etc. were connected with various beliefs. Of the insect species, special respect was given the dragon-fly, bee, ant, and lady-bird (”little cow of God”). Homage to the serpent was likely due to its odd appearance and startling glare. Serpents ruled the underworld, defended animals and the family, protected wealth and symbolized the sun and the fruitfulness of the earth. People would keep and safeguard them in their homes.

A fire was important in ancient Lithuania religion; it was based on the sacred fire of the hearth (“gabija”), and on open fires kindled in appropriate sites.

The fruitful land was treated with special respect. People would swear oaths in homage, kissing the earth before and after working on it. The earth loved only good people, it did not accept sinners. Transgressors would hear: “How does the sacred land bear you!”, and “May the sacred earth nor receive you!”.

People also held water sacred and highly respected. It was forbidden to spit in it or to dirty it, for in doing so, one spat in the face of God.