Lithuanian tradition of flower giving to come to Spalding town centre for International Women's Day

It is hoped that a Lithuanian tradition will bring smiles to the faces of people of Spalding.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, members of the town’s Lithuanian community will be spreading joy with a custom from their homeland.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) will see free flowers handed out to women and girls in Spalding town centre - organised by Vaida Trabsaite, chairman of the Lithuanian Community in Spalding.

“It is a big tradition that really makes people feel special,” she explained.

“Since I was little, our dad and even boys in school would give us flowers on the day. Men in the workplace and even the police would do this too.

“It shows respect to women.

“I wanted to do it here to show that respect too, so we will be handing out the blooms in the town centre and we will also go into businesses too.”

The flowers have been provided free of charge by Spalding’s Wild Rose and Bloomissimo.

The Community Mind Matters team will also be taking flowers to the elderly and vulnerable.

Vaida added: “In some countries it is very hard to be a woman.

“It is difficult to be in politics or even managers but we have got more rights here and we are more powerful.

“I always want to work to bring together Lithuanians with other communities and I am pleased that we are able to share these traditions here in Spalding.

“I hope that the little act of kindness makes people feel special and puts a smile on their faces.”

Craft fair planned for Spalding

Vaida has also organised a special event to mark Lithuania Independence Restoration Day.

In a celebration which also includes the remembrance of patron saint St Casimir, a craft fair will be held at St Norbert’s Church in Spalding.

Vaida explained: “In the old days, people would make crafts during the winter to keep busy.

“Then as a celebration they would sell them at a fair. There would be wooden toys, honey, cakes, fish, candles - lots of different things.

“We will have lots to buy on the day, not just made by Lithuaninan people, but also Rimanian and Polish because it’s all about the community.

“The teachers from the Lithuanian School will have crafts for children to try.”

l The event will take place on Saturday, March 11 from 12pm to 2pm.