Elektrėnai municipality
Elektrėnai municipality was established in the background of enforcement of the Law No. VIII-1493 on the Supplement to the Article 4.14 and Amendment to the Article 5 of the Law on the Territorial Administrative Units of the Republic of Lithuania and their Boundaries of 21 December 1999. The first election to the Elektrėnai Municipality Council took place on 19 March 2000 during which Kęstutis Vaitukaitis was elected as the first mayor. Elektrėnai city is the centre of the municipality.
Elektrėnai municipality comprises 8 elderships: Elektrėnai eldership, Vievis eldership, Semeliškės eldership, Kietaviškės eldership, Kazokiškės eldership, Gilučiai eldership, Pastrėvys eldership, and Beižionys eldership. The municipality covers the area of nearly 51 thousand hectares. It has a population of about 25 thousand residents. There are 2 cities – Elektrėnai and Vievis, 1 town – Semeliškės, 275 villages and 28 single homestead settlements in the municipality.
Elektrėnai is among the youngest cities in Lithuania. It is located halfway between Vilnius and Kaunas. On 18 April 1960, the decision was made to construct a thermal power plant. A temporary settlement was built for the workers, and in spring 1961 the construction of a permanent settlement, which today is known as Elektrėnai, began. The city was designed by B. Kasparavičienė and K. Bučas.
On 12 September 1961, after the river Strėva was dammed, its waters began to rise. Lakes Anykšta, Jagudis and Puikinas merged to form a huge pond which today is known as Elektrėnai artificial lake. In the process, Elektrėnai artificial lake flooded Kakliniškės, Perkūnakiemis, Šarkinė, Anykštos, Raistinė, Lekavičiai, Mažiklė, Petravičiai, Alinka, and Runga villages. The names of these villages are carved on one of the sculptures exhibited in the Park of Wood Sculptures in Elektrėnai. Today, the artificial lake covers the area of about 1,240 hectares. The maximum depth of the artificial lake is 30 meters. The Park of Wood Sculptures was set up to commemorate the flooded villages (at the initiative of a folk artist and woodcarver V. Umbrasienė). The sculptures were created during the International Symposium.
On 19 April 1962, the settlement was named Elektrėnai.
In 1961-1962, a seven-year school was opened in an apartment building. Education to the pupils of grades from 1st to 7th was provided in Lithuanian, and to the pupils of grades from 1st to 5th – in Russian. The school had 137 pupils and 15 teachers. From 1962-1963, a seven-year school in Elektrėnai was reorganised to the secondary school and on 2 September 1963, a new school was opened. Today, there are the following educational establishments in Elektrėnai: ‘Versmė’ Gymnasium, ‘Ąžuolynas’ Lower Secondary School, Elektrėnai Elementary School, Elektrėnai Nursery and School ‘Pasaka’, Elektrėnai Nursery and School ‘Žiogelis’, Elektrėnai Nursery ‘Drugelis’, Elektrėnai Art School, Sports School of Elektrėnai Municipality, Public Entity ‘Improvizija’, and Public Entity Elektrėnai Vocational Training Center. Elektrėnai ‘Ąžuolynas’ Lower Secondary School houses the Museum of Literature and Art, a literature yard that was equipped as per the motives of Lithuanian folk tale ‘Eglė the Queen Serpents’. Every year the yard serves as the venue of an international poetry festival ‘Poetry Spring’. The festival brings together guests from all over Lithuania and abroad.
In 1976, an Ice Palace was opened in Elektrėnai, which was the first artificial ice rink in Lithuania. This is the place where famous Lithuanian hockey players Dainius Zubrus and Darius Kasparaitis started their professional careers. In 2012, the Ice Palace was renovated.
In 1996, the Catholic Church of Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Martyrs, was built in Elektrėnai (architect H. Šilgalis). A portal of original architectural solution consisting of a high arch and six doubled crosses stands out on the main facade of the shrine. This composition symbolizes the seventh century of Christianity in Lithuania. A sculpture of the resurrected Christ is incorporated into the interior apse (the author S. Kuzma).
In 2011, a modern Elektrėnai Municipal Public Library was opened to the public.
Many projects have been implemented in Elektrėnai municipality that improved the quality of life of the locals, increased the attractiveness of the municipality, encouraged rural development, etc.
Elektrėnai municipality received honourable awards for the most distinctive initiatives and works:
In 2006, the municipality was nominated by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania as ‘The most diligent municipality’, in 2012 it was nominated by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania ‘For the efficient regional projects’, in 2013 - by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania ‘For the rational management of EU investment and budget funds’, in 2018 the municipality was awarded the prize of the Ministry of Finance ‘The Municipality most open to EU investment’ during the awards ceremony ‘Auksinės krivūlės 2018’ {eng. Golden Elder's Staff 2018}.
In 2012, during ‘Europos burės 2012’ awards ceremony in the category ‘For the ways opened’ the municipality also received a statue for the Project ‘Establishment of the Sheltered Housing in Elektrėnai’.
Elektrėnai municipality has signed international cooperation agreements with Gmina Nowy Dwór (Poland), Lower Austria (Bucklig Region) (Austria), the Commune of Forli (Italy), Zhovkva Raion (district) (Ukraine), Mardu city (Estonia), Skövde Municipality (Sweden), Slubice city (Poland), Maladzyechna District (Belarus).
Terms of office of the mayors of Elektrėnai Municipality:
From 2000 to 2003 – Kęstutis Vaitukaitis
From 2003 to 2007 – Kęstutis Vaitukaitis
From 2007 to 2011 – Arvydas Vyšniauskas
From 2011 to 2015 – Kęstutis Vaitukaitis
From 2019 – today – Kęstutis Vaitukaitis
Coat of Arms of Beižionys. When the Heraldry Commission was considering ideas for a new Coat of Arms, the decision was made along with the representatives of the eldership to depict a crane, a bird species which is rare in Lithuania and listed on the List of Extinct and Endangered Species of Lithuania. This bird is very cautious and timid. It inhabits swamps, forest marshes. The bird is common in Taureika village, Liaukiškės village and other locations of Beižionys eldership. In the language of symbols, a crane symbolizes alertness, longevity, wisdom, and loyalty. Because of its habit of returning to its native places, a crane symbolizes resurrection.
In heraldry, the green colour of the shield symbolizes freedom, beauty, health, and hope.
The Coat of Arms of Beižionys was approved by the Heraldry Commission on 24 September 2006. The Coat of Arms of Beižionys was approved by the Decree No. 800 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 17 November 2006.
Coat of Arms of Elektrėnai. When the Heraldry Commission was considering ideas for the Coat of Arms of Elektrėnai city, lightning, which in many cultures symbolizes divine powers, was offered. In antiquity, Zeus was the ruler of lightning, while in Roman times it was thought that lighting was ruled by Jupiter. The Gods who used to toss a series of lighting were not only kind and tending to alert, but also punishing. The flash of lightning was also associated with justice. The Oriental symbolism emphasizes the relationship of lightning to thunder, heavy rain, and relates it to fertility. In the Coat of Arms of Elektrėnai, lightning symbolizes the power of energy. At the request of the municipality, the Coat of Arms also depicts two octagonal stars. One of the stars is reminiscent of the villages that were once situated in the place where the city is now, and the other one symbolizes the current city. In the language of symbols, the star signifies constancy, alertness, and attainment of objective. In ancient times, stars were believed to determine human destiny. The star is a symbol of the highest human ideals. The octagonal star is associated with creativity and fertility. In ancient mythology, the star is the emblem of Venus, the goddess of love, and in Christianity – one of the strains of the Star of Bethlehem.
The standard of the Coat of Arms of Elektrėnai was prepared by the artist Rolandas Rimkūnas.
The Coat of Arms was approved by the Heraldry Commission on 28 October 1999 and
by the Decree No. 662 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 10 November 1999.
Coat of Arms of Gilučiai. The village has never had its historic Coat of Arms. When the Heraldry Commission was considering ideas for the new Coat of Arms, the eldership's suggestion that the Coat of Arms should depict a symbol associated with the number twelve was welcomed (the first known number of the homesteads of the established village), and the motive of oak as an image of solidity, strength, and independence. Oak with acorns is an expression of maturity. For this reason, the decision was made to depict 12 acorns in the Coat of Arms as an image of young, developing eldership.
In the language of symbols, an acorn is a sign of fertility, prosperity, and spiritual energy. In ancient times, before predicting the future, the oracle used to eat acorns so that for the future to be better predicted. People used to wear them as an amulet.
The number 12 is a symbol of the eternal cycle. 12 months constitute the calendar year. In Astrology, the starry firmament of the sky is divided into 12 signs of the zodiac. In Greece, there were 12 gods in the Pantheon, Jesus Christ had 12 disciples - the apostles, etc.
In heraldry, the green colour symbolizes freedom, beauty, happiness, health, and hope. It is the colour of vegetation.
The Coat of Arms of Gilučiai was approbated by the Heraldry Commission on 5 July 2006.
The Coat of Arms of Gilučiai was approved by the Decree No. 696 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 1 September 2006.
Coat of Arms of Kazokiškės. In 1680, L. Skickis, who belonged to the Dominican Order, brought to Kazokiškės a copy of the painting of Our Lady of Naples, called Saint Mary Major. In the nearby surroundings, the painting of Saint Mary Major was famous for various miracles: blind people used to regain their sight, the seriously ill ones - health, those in despair - spiritual balance.
The Heraldry Commission, along with the representatives of the eldership and community, endorsed the proposal to depict in the new Coat of Arms the miraculous painting of Saint Mary Major.
In heraldry, the blue colour of shield symbolizes loyalty, divine wisdom, constancy, and honesty. It is the colour of the sky.
The Coat of Arms of Kazokiškės was approbated by the Heraldry Commission on 8 December 2005.
The Coat of Arms of Kazokiškės was approved by the Decree No. 484 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 December 2005.
Coat of Arms of Kietaviškės. When the Heraldry Commission, along with the representatives of the local eldership, was considering ideas for the new Coat of Arms, the decision was made to depict in the Coat of Arms the osprey holding the fish in its claws.
By virtue of its strength, endurance, and high flight, in the mythology of all nations, the eagle (in this case the osprey) is a bird that is associated with the sun, light, and sky. In ancient times, people believed that the eagle can rejuvenate after having three times submerged itself in a spring of pure water. In early Christianity, it was, not by accident, the symbol of baptism. Those who were newly embracing the faith were three times submerged into the water – in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the soul of a neophyte to be washed and become pure like the soul of a new-born. The fish is symbolically associated with water, an element of life. Christians are equated with the fish because they were reborn in the water of baptism.
In heraldry, the blue colour of the shield symbolizes loyalty, strength, and honesty.
The golden colour symbolizes dignity, honour, and intelligence. The golden eagle holding the golden fish in its claws is depicted in the blue background.
The Coat of Arms of Kietaviškės was approbated by the Heraldry Commission on 18 April 2002.
The Coat of Arms of Kietaviškės was approved by the Decree No. 1761 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 9 May 2002.
Coat of Arms of Pastrėvys. When the Commission, along with the representatives of the eldership, was considering ideas for the new Coat of Arms, the decision was made to depict in the new Coat of Arms a wheel of watermill to symbolize a watermill that has been standing in Pastrėvys since old days, electricity generation, and the water bodies situated in the eldership. Medieval art frequently portrays the ‘wheel of life’, which raises mortals up and down, or ‘wheel of happiness’ that keeps turning and is transformative. In everyday language, we often use expressions like ‘the wheel will turn’ (the destiny will change) or ‘to stop the wheel of history’. In many cultures around the world, the wheel is a symbol of perfection, a symbol of the sun. In Lithuania, it is customary to run burning wheels off the hills at the end of June, during Saint Jonas' Festival, also known as Rasa (Dew Holiday), for the sun that has set down to rise again the next day.
Since Medieval times, a mill was a place of life activities of the human, a meeting place of village communities and neighbours. In Scandinavian Mythology, a mill is a symbol of fertility and abundance.
In heraldry, the silver colour of the shield means wealth, honour, chastity, and virginity; it is as well associated with water, one of the elements of the universe.
The green colour is the embodiment of freedom, beauty, happiness, health, and hope. It is the colour of vegetation.
The Coat of Arms of Pastrėvys was approved by the Decree No. 685 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 19 July 2006.
Coat of Arms of Semeliškės. When the Commission, along with the representatives of the local eldership, was considering ideas for the new Coat of Arms, it decided to depict a bell on the shield of the Coat of Arms cleaved from the left side. The bend of cleavage is reminiscent of the first letter ‘S’ of the name of the town and of the river Strėva that flows across Semeliškės. The decision was made to decorate the silver part of the shield with a Gothic ornament because the bell itself was also cast in the Gothic epoch.
In the language of symbols, the bell is a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth, inviting for prayer, a reminder of the necessity to obey God's commandments. For its shape, the bell is often compared to the vault. The bell was also worshiped as a talisman protecting against adversity, capable of destroying evil. The ringing of the bell often warns of imminent dangers, conveys good news.
In heraldry, the green colour of the plot means freedom, beauty, happiness, hope, and health.
The silver colour means honour, chastity, virginity, and justice.
The Coat of Arms of Semeliškės was approbated by the Heraldry Commission on 27 April 2002.
The Coat of Arms of Semeliškės was approved by the Decree No. 1849 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 22 September 2002.
Coat of Arms of Vievis. Around 1600, the noble Ogiński family built the Uniate Church in Vievis and founded the monastery of the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of the 17th century, a printing house was established that was based at the monastery. The printing house printed Cyrillic books. Its first publications (prayer books in church Slav language) appeared in 1611. In 1619, Slav Grammar by M. Smotricki, one of the first grammars of church Slav language.
The Coat of Arms of Vievis was approved by the Decree No. 456 of the President of the Republic of Lithuania of 20 May 1999.