Sodai is a traditional craft made by stringing grains (mostly rye) on a thread to create geometric, spatial structures of different volumes. Creative interpretations can produce works of impressive size and collective community projects. It is believed that sodai symbolize the pattern of the universe and are associated with well-being. These can be hung over a cradle, wedding, or family table to wish happiness to children, fertility to newlyweds, or harmony to family members.
The bearers and practitioners represent different age groups, and various social and professional clusters, including individuals and families. There are families with several generations of sodai makers; in one family, it has been practiced by five generations. Nowadays, young people are often inspired to share their knowledge and skills with their families through workshops, as opposed to the traditional process of passing on skills from family members to younger members.
The majority of sodai makers belong to NGOs. There are practitioners who work in the areas of culture, education, and environmental protection. There are approximately 95% of sodai makers are women, but this tradition can be learned and created by anyone. In addition to annual activities and ongoing initiatives, various organizations and communities conduct exhibitions, and training courses, and produce introductory and methodological materials.
In 2010, national and local institutions have been supporting projects to promote and preserve the element, including the collection and display of traditional sodai collections, the creation of an online database of sodai makers (https://www.sodai.eu), and the preparation of this nomination file, as well as conferences, seminars, and international creative camps. It promotes recognition of both experienced sodai makers and beginners, as well as communication with future generations through folk art courses and exhibitions.
A number of measures have been implemented by the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture since 2007 to support certified sodai makers. ICH programs for straw ware education are administered by the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport and the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture. Due to public support program requirements and complex certification and accreditation processes, some holders of traditions have difficulty accessing these programs. There have been several publications, as well as educational videos, but no academic research has been conducted on the current state and significance of the element. Public access to some museum collections related to sodai making is limited. As a result, preserving traditional craft forms and developing sustainable technologies are difficult in Lithuania due to the lack of raw materials suitable for sodai making.