Vilnius mourning ceremonies on the death of Maria Josepha and Augustus III

Vilnius in the Saxon era, as well as other cities of Lithuania and the Crown, was the scene of the funeral ceremonies celebrated after the death of Augustus II at first, then after the death of Queen Maria Josepha, and eventually Augustus III. The ideological program of exequies checked – in Vilnius Cathedral after the death of the first of Wettin on the Polish throne was discussed by M. Mork. Funeral celebrations after the death of Augustus III and his wife Maria Josepha, who died in Dresden, has not been asked yet further attention of researchers. This article is therefore an attempt to characterize these events in terms of their conduct and organization, as well as the presentation of the characteristics of Vilnius event. Discussed ceremonies showed features of paratheatrical performances. There were used all means that could have possible impact on the imagination of the participants and spectators. For residents of Vilnius they were like the funerals of dignitaries of church and state, they were the opportunity to express the emotions – sadness and sorrow publicly. What is more, we can assume that the funerals took on the nature of the holidays, as well as they were the evidence of the commitment of its people to the monarchy