Diplomatinis balius

Abstract

On the basis of the archival documents the article describes one of the forms of diplomatic activities, such as receptions, banquets, and parties. The article concentrates on some aspects of receptions, e.g. their character, ceremonial, etiquette, the meaning and importance of food and drink. The collected material confirms that Lithuanian embassies observed international diplomatic traditions. National features were manifested in some details, such as invitation cards, room decoration, cultural aspects of the reception, etc. The documents also reveal that a diplomatic reception provided for Lithuanian diplomats less formal circumstances to solve international problems Lithuania was concerned with, to predict future events and their course before they took some definite shape and development.