Weathervane of Freedom –
Embodying Lithuania’s Aspiration for Freedom
This year, as the ownership of the FSRU Independence of the Klaipėda LNG terminal will be transferred to Lithuania, it will become an even stronger guarantor of our country’s freedom, while simultaneously symbolizing the path of freedom that Lithuania has taken. To mark the decade of the terminal’s presence in Lithuania and the new stage of its existence, the hull of Independence has been decorated with a unique weathervane created especially for this occasion, the design of which has been inspired by the folk-art traditions of the coastal areas of the Curonian Lagoon.
The traditional Curonian weathervane was a unique decoration seen on boats and created by fishermen of the Curonian Lagoon in Lithuania. The weathervanes were used for identification, as well as decoration and to indicate the direction of wind. Modern weathervanes remain a sign of identity for people from the coastal villages of Curonian Lagoon. They are used to decorate modern replicas of historical ships, surroundings, and as souvenirs for tourists.
The traditional Curonian weathervane was a unique decoration seen on boats and created by fishermen of the Curonian Lagoon in Lithuania. The weathervanes were used for identification, as well as decoration and to indicate the direction of wind. Modern weathervanes remain a sign of identity for people from the coastal villages of Curonian Lagoon. They are used to decorate modern replicas of historical ships, surroundings, and as souvenirs for tourists.
A symbol born of a
unique tradition
The choice of the weathervane as the symbol of Independence is no coincidence. It is a unique heritage object for the Lithuanian seaside - similar folk art are not found anywhere else in the world.
The history of weathervanes characteristic of the Curonian Spit region dates back to the 19th century. On the roofs of houses or on the mast of ships, the owner used to encode his surroundings, his dreams, hobbies, values, a specific story, a narrative in the weathervane.
The freedom weathervane on the Independence retains the form of the traditional Curonian Spit weathervane, but its modern symbols tell the story of Lithuania's freedom and signify the nation's uncompromising pursuit of freedom, both political and energy.
The history of weathervanes characteristic of the Curonian Spit region dates back to the 19th century. On the roofs of houses or on the mast of ships, the owner used to encode his surroundings, his dreams, hobbies, values, a specific story, a narrative in the weathervane.
The freedom weathervane on the Independence retains the form of the traditional Curonian Spit weathervane, but its modern symbols tell the story of Lithuania's freedom and signify the nation's uncompromising pursuit of freedom, both political and energy.
The weathervane placed on the hull of Independence tells the story of Lithuania’s freedom throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, of which the Klaipėda LNG terminal itself is an integral part.
Our country’s most important steps towards freedom are encoded in this unique symbolic weathervane. The weathervane remains a symbol and reminder of Independence for everyone who looks at it.
With this emphasis, the FSRU presents Lithuania not only as a leader in the energy independence of the region, but also as a country with an authentic heritage that is consistently nurtured.
Modern Signs in a
Traditional Form
Each element of the freedom weathervane has its own meaning and forms part of the story. And this sequence of dates – essential to Lithuania’s independence – is completed by mooring of Independence in the port of Klaipėda in 2014. The symbolism of the weathervane is also a reference to the vessel’s name, Independence.
The weathervane decorating the FSRU at LNG terminal was created in collaboration with the renowned Curonian weathervane master Vaidotas Bliūdžius, historian Norbertas Černiauskas and mural artist Artur Širin.
The weathervane decorating the FSRU at LNG terminal was created in collaboration with the renowned Curonian weathervane master Vaidotas Bliūdžius, historian Norbertas Černiauskas and mural artist Artur Širin.
Act of Independence of 16 February 1918
1944-1953 period of anti-Soviet resistance
Sąjūdis – Lithuanian movement for reorganization
Events of January 1991
Lithuania’s accession to NATO in 2004
Lithuania’s accession to the European Union in 2004
Mooring of FSRU Independence in Klaipėda port in 2014
Find out more about the elements of the Weathervane of Freedom by tapping them.
Weathervane of Freedom
merchandise
We invite you to cherish and adorn the Weathervane of Freedom.
Visit the Happy365 e-shop and choose an apparel decorated with the Weathervane of Freedom.
Visit the Happy365 e-shop and choose an apparel decorated with the Weathervane of Freedom.
