Hey everyone,
do you know what Midsummer festival is and what Latvians do on this special night?
The most important holiday for every Latvian is the Summer Solstice festival, or Jāņi, which is celebrated on the night of June 23. Nearly everyone leaves the city for the open air. Traditional caraway seed cheese and lots of beer are on the menu.
Latvia's Midsummer night celebration is called Jāņi in Latvian, and it is the one night of the year that you must never sleep. Most activities are outside and center around a huge bonfire. Girls pick meadow flowers to make wreaths for their hair, while men named Jānis get a bushy crown of oak leaves around their heads. Janis is the most popular male name in Latvia and comparable to 'John'. Traditionally, people in the countryside made their own special cheese and beer for the festivities and went from home to home, sharing their goodies and singing traditional songs. They'd gather around the bonfire to sing special 'Līgo' songs that can only be sung on this night. And they dance the whole night long. Although the sun sets briefly, it doesn't get dark and everyone must be awake to greet the rising sun in the morning. A naked romp into the nearest lake or river is a must for men - and the women who cheer them on. Young couples Like to go into the forest and search for the Legendary fern blossom. Or so they say. And when you greet the morning sun, you have to wash your face in the grass's morning dew, which on Jāņi morning is said to have particularly beneficial properties.
(Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia)
Photo: Elīna Graudiņa
Cheers!
