Latvian Midsummer - Jāņi
The Latvian Midsummer celebration, known as "Jāņi," sometimes called also “Līgo” is one of the most beloved holiday celebrations in Latvia. It takes place on the summer solstice, which is around June 23rd and is a time of joyous festivities, ancient traditions, and deep cultural significance. 23rd and 24th are also both bank holidays and traditionally these dates also mark the end of the university year and the beginning of the summer holiday season.
Jāņi is deeply rooted in Latvian folklore and pagan traditions, celebrating the summer solstice, the longest day of the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Traditions of the “Jāņi” celebration are centuries old and one may find a lot of traditional folk songs which tell the stories of ancestors celebrating the longest day of the year. Along with the celebration, there are a lot of traditions that Latvians tend to do even nowadays.
Traditionally, Latvians celebrate Jāņi in the countryside, where people gather in the evening on the eve of Jāņi and stay up all night to welcome the sunrise and connect with nature. Bonfires are lit, and people dance, sing, and engage in various rituals throughout the night. The bonfire must be made in the highest place, so you could see the neighboring bonfires and they must be kept burning all night so that the land is covered by the light of fire for a few hours while the sun returns.
Photo Santa.lv
One of the most prominent Jāņi traditions is the weaving and wearing of crowns made from flowers and herbs. The wreaths symbolize fertility, the sun, and protection from evil spirits. Young women wear these wreaths on their heads, and men wear oak leaf crowns, representing strength. There are several traditions - crowns are usually taken off at midnight and then either thrown in a river, or thrown into tree branches, but some people like to dry them and keep them till the next year at then throw them on the bonfire. Every family has their own traditions, but it is clear that you must stay up till the sunset. If you are feeling lucky you might try to find the “flower of the fern” at midnight.
Throughout the night, people engage in traditional folk dances, singing folk songs, and playing traditional musical instruments. Traditional foods and drinks are also an essential part of the celebration. Some families try to also prepare traditional homemade cheese, which must have to be prepared with cumin. The preparation starts already a week before, and people know that before Jāņi all the important tasks should be finalized – the garden should be taken care of and everything is cleaned and prepared for the big day.
Photo: Lsm.lv
Jāņi is vital to Latvians because it serves as a symbol of national identity, cultural heritage, and connection to nature. It is a time for communities to come together, celebrate their traditions, and strengthen social bonds. Every small village organizes a gathering and usually, the local theatre plays “Skroderdienas silmačos” a theater play written by Rūdolfs Blaumanis at the beginning of the 20th century.
“Jānis” is also a very common Latvian male name, so in every family or circle of relatives there is at least one Jānis, who is also celebrating his name day and is usually gifted with a beer mug, cheese, and an oak crown. So, if there is a Jānis that you know do not forget to congratulate him on this special day.