Latvia Celebrates Midsummer Night with Bonfires and Ancient Traditions

Across Latvia, Midsummer celebrations are underway tonight – revelers will gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and weave flower wreaths. Jāņi is an ancient summer solstice festival observed throughout the night with joyous songs and dances. Although the astronomical solstice has passed, many still follow old customs.

According to beliefs, people 'līgo' (sing blessing songs) in the fields to prevent weeds, and honor neighbors who have unfinished work. Children visiting homes are treated with cheese and beer. After dark, bonfires are lit on the highest hills, and a fire pole is erected to spread light further. Ancient Latvians believed that touching the fire grants health for the entire year, and the sick were brought to the flames for healing. People also jumped over the bonfires.

On Midsummer Eve, cows are adorned with special herbs so they know they are remembered. It was forbidden to give cows grass cut with a scythe before Jāņi, or the cows might lose their milk. Horses were kept from grazing to protect them from wolves and evil spells. To ward off evil, homes were decorated with rowan branches, thistles, or nettles; fern branches were placed under the bed, and the table was set with lime or oak branches, round cheese, pies, and beer. Revelers aim to stay awake until sunrise.