The Unbreakable Tradition of Midsummer Day – to Celebrate from the Bottom of the Heart
Marius, traveller from Lithuania:
It’s probably not too brave to say that Midsummer Day, which marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year, is probably the most fun and anticipated holiday of the summer calendar in Lithuania. We can only be grateful that it was added to the country’s list of non-working days nearly two decades ago. It means that we can fully immerse ourselves in a magical festival because so much can be done during the shortest night of the year.
I believe that the traditional rituals and ceremonies that give meaning to the summer solstice have become an uplifting and enjoyable experience not only for me, but also for a number of other participants who attended the Dew Holiday (Rasos) festivities last year at Graužys Lake in Lentvaris.
After all, it’s not every day that we can act like careless children, making wreaths, tying St John’s wort and bath brooms while curiously observing a century-old homemade beer brewing ritual or making the ancient jewellery of the Balts.
The integral parts of Midsummer Day are as follows: the gates covered with herbs, the Midsummer Day bonfires, the unique wreaths made of oak twigs and dedicated to people celebrating their name-day, as well as the magical fern flower that can’t be found – all of this has its own sense and meaning, just like the fortune-telling and various rituals or rites, even if it’s just a fun game for modern people.
On the other hand, it allows us to awaken our inner desire to explore, to touch our roots, to become a wild child of nature and experience its perfect balance and harmony, albeit for a short period of time.
Although the festival focuses on ancient traditions, the event organisers don’t hesitate to add modern spices that reflect the spirit of today: participants are encouraged to put their skills to the test in a variety of activities and attractions ranging from the venturesome fishing and weightlifting to playing checkers, volleyball and competing in other competitions. The festivalgoers are also invited to participate in the St John’s night hike in Trakai. People walk through the city, stopping at various landmarks where hikers are greeted with music, songs, theatrical fire performances and lights.
Reminder for Travellers
Every year, the Trakai region celebrates the summer solstice and invites you to visit Lentvaris, Aukštadvaris or Paluknys. Let’s look for the fern flower together on 23 June this year! More details about upcoming events in the Trakai region can be found at: https://eventstrakai.lt/en.
