Jāņi

Jāņi is a vibrant Latvian festival that celebrates the summer solstice, marked by public holidays on June 23rd (Līgo Day) and June 24th (Jāņi Day). The festivities commence on Līgosvētki, the day before Jāņi, when people gather in the countryside to indulge in food, drinks, singing, and ancient folk traditions symbolizing renewal and fertility. This celebration is not confined to Latvia alone; Latvian communities around the globe also partake in the merriment.

The festival is rich with traditions. Various plants, such as bedstraw, cow wheat, vetchling, and clover, are used for decorations and symbolic purposes. Wreaths made from flowers, grasses, and oak leaves are crafted and worn, with distinct designs for men and women. The lighting of fires is a crucial part of the celebrations, symbolizing the transfer of light to the next solar year and believed to bring good fortune.

Singing Līgo songs is another cherished tradition, thought to promote fertility and prosperity. The festival is steeped in folklore, with tales of witches, magical fern flowers, and the benefits of romantic activities. The origins of Jāņi can be traced back to Midsummer celebrations for John the Baptist during the summer solstice, with documented traditions spanning centuries.