ABSTRACT
The chapter considers classifications of Lithuanian springs and their qualities. Current understandings divide springs into “falling” springs (fed by ground water) and the “rising” ones (artesian water escaping at the earth’s surface). Regardless of spring origins, folklore classifies springs by temperature: šaltinis (from šaltas [cold]) is a spring of low temperature and versmė (from verda [boil]) is a spring bubbling at a high temperature. Images of springs as pots of eternally cold water that are boiling on fire and overflowing, is a previously unconsidered feature of Baltic mythology and implies that such springs are, by their nature, fabulous. This study examines twenty-three springs of Eastern and Central Lithuania explored by the author and specialists of the Lithuanian Geological Survey. While six were active Christian sanctuaries, the remaining 17 were historically associated with Baltic religion and Catholic rituals. Investigations compared the mineralisation and hardness of the springs’ waters and found the only significant difference between them being that those associated with Baltic mythology had higher iron concentrations.
