07/05/2026
May 7 is an important day in Lithuania’s history - a reminder that language can be an act of freedom.
In 1904, Lithuania regained the right to publish books and newspapers in Lithuanian using the Latin alphabet. This ended a 40-year ban imposed by the Russian Empire, which had tried to weaken Lithuanian identity by restricting language, education, publishing, and public expression.
But instead of weakening Lithuanian identity, the ban strengthened it.
Lithuanian books and newspapers continued to be printed abroad, secretly smuggled into the country by knygnešiai - book smugglers who risked prison, exile, and persecution to protect the written word. These publications were read in secret, passed from hand to hand, and became part of a growing national movement.
For Lithuania, May 7 is not only about the end of censorship. It is about the survival of language, culture, memory, and dignity.
Photo Credit: A. Sartanavičius/ Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
