Folklore Researcher Beatrise Kapuste: Commercialization and Misunderstanding of Traditions Replace Midsummer with 'Solstice'
Folklore researcher Beatrise Kapuste urges a return to using the name 'Jāņi' (Midsummer), as it is increasingly replaced by 'saulgrieži' (solstice), indicating a lack of understanding of traditions. She has started an awareness campaign.
In Latvia, during the summer solstice period, there is a growing trend to call the celebrations 'saulgrieži' (solstice) instead of 'Jāņi' (Midsummer). Folklore researcher Beatrise Kapuste, co-founder of the 'School of Traditions', views this critically and has begun actively explaining the issue.
In a small experiment, she found that out of many event posters, only five mentioned Jāņi, while the rest predominantly used the term 'saulgrieži'. She emphasizes that this behavior demonstrates a misunderstanding of traditions, as ancestors did not celebrate on a single specific date – the festivities lasted several days, from June 18 until St. Peter's Day (June 29). This entire period can safely be called Jāņi time, and each person's chosen celebration day is the true Jāņi day and Jāņi night.
Kapuste notes that when communicating abroad, terms like 'midsummer' or 'solstice' are unavoidable, but among ourselves we should not lose the words that carry our cultural heritage. She has launched almost a campaign to remind of the importance of the name Jāņi. The folklorist also mentions that we speak in a 'spell language' – our everyday expressions preserve ancient rituals and protective practices against witches and inner demons, which are often forgotten.
