Vilniaus universiteto
Kauno humanitarinis fakultetas

Recalling the prosperity of the 16th century Kaunas, Faculty buildings conceal the rich historical path of medieval German merchants’ life and wakes students’ imagination. Inspired by enchanting studying environment, faculty students and members of the Youth Hansa Kaunas dress up in the 15th – 16th c. garments and play scenes on a historical medieval town’s theme during celebrations, thus briefly resurrecting the ancient citizens’ life. It is a unique opportunity to hear the clatter of a strict magistrate’s gavel, a wistful echo of rather forgotten Latin, joyful greeting orations or moans of punished students kneeling on peas.

Members of the medieval culture club have a lively interest in the history of Kaunas city, Kaunas Faculty of Humanities (KHF) and similarly to the history of higher education in Lithuania as well. Their interest and knowledge are demonstrated by vivacious theatrical excursions and festivals arranged for the citizens during city celebrations. Members of the Youth Hansa Kaunas represent the city in the international New Hansa Union’s youth conferences and have future ambitions to organise international culture and history popularization exchange programs for youths. Not only student from KHF, but also students from other Kaunas universities, colleges and schools willingly join different club’s activities.

During the traditional Kaunas municipality Honorable Mention ceremony held in Kaunas town hall in 2010, the head of the Youth Hansa Kaunas Rima Kubiliūtė was presented with the Crystal of Goodness due to “the organization of the medieval festival Hansa days and creation of an opportunity to get acquainted with medieval culture, customs, traditions and style in an interesting and attractive way.”

Youth Hansa Kaunas – one of the several organizations functioning at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities. Not only Faculty students, but also other physically or spiritually young people are welcome to join these organizations. The aim of Youth Hansa is to introduce people with medieval culture, let them loose themselves in tasting traditions of the period, i.e. sorcery, lynch laws and other activities that are hardly understandable for the contemporary people.

One must admit, that this activity is not organised as merely a local university event. All the year round work and preparation is crowned by Hansa days in Kaunas, when everyone can impersonate one’s favourite character.