How members of the Farmers' Assembly celebrate the Solstice

Although the daily occupation of the members of the Farmers' Assembly is agriculture, farms cannot do without a proper celebration of the Solstice. Latvia is rich in traditions and traditions differ from region to region. ZSA members tell us about how differently the Solstice is celebrated.
 
Jānis Dzenis, owner of the "Kalnavoti" farm from Koknese parish

Jānis believes that for people, especially farmers, the care and understanding of the traditions determined by the rhythm of nature is important, because several Latvian customs and decisions are based on them. Even the Midsummer cheese tying and beer brewing - the preparation for it serves as a ritual, in which the care taken is respect for fellow humans and gratitude for the harvest, the benefits given by nature. The owner praises the transfer of knowledge to future generations, because they will have to continue to care for the preservation of Latvian values.

"The summer solstice is a natural full-fledged event that should not be celebrated solely on the basis of the date. It is a vivid cultural heritage, as well as a time of marked change, which when celebrated makes both oneself and the Latvian countryside stronger. However, one cannot forget that it is also a holiday that is permeated with a lot of joy and joie de vivre. For example, I remember an old Midsummer morning when, approaching another haystack, we came across a harvester with a Midsummer night's sleep, covered with hay tufts. At least you could tell that it was a time of honor, right up to the light,"John on the Solstice.

 
Eduards Šmits, owner of the "Pīlādži" farm from Saldus region

In the Rīlādži, it is customary to celebrate the astronomical Solstice and to have a family gathering on the evening of June 23. According to the owner, one of the main events of the holiday is getting together with a large family. Whether it is fire rituals and offerings based on the Latvian way of life, or a gathering and picking Midsummer herbs on the evening of Līgo, its customs are an important part of the holiday. On the evening of Līgo, the highest hill is selected and a log is burned on its top - to illuminate the surrounding fields and protect them from evil. Once upon a time, the family had a tradition of waiting for the sunrise on the Kurzeme seashore. Maintaining traditions also makes the owner feel better. But one year, while others were eating and having fun, he had to run around his field.

The Solstice itself is relatively peaceful, as it is a time for reflection, while June 23 is a time for celebration. Eduards is confident in the durability of traditions, remembering that since childhood he has been going after rowan branches and wild roses and decorating all the doors of his house with them every year. Even without knowing the detailed significance of the customs, these actions simply went on.

 
Arnolds Jātnieks, owner of the "Vaidelotes" farm from Bauska region

We have celebrated the Solstice regularly, even during the former socialist years, because it is the one day a year when we can “program” ourselves for the entire coming year. People are very interested in celebrating the Solstice – last year, around 120 guests visited the farm.

The celebration is opened with an ancient Latvian fire ritual, which is the central event of the evening. The bonfire itself is prepared in advance from 81 logs, and is decorated with a garland of Midsummer herbs. The hostess has baked a loaf herself, preparing for the festivities. When the guests of the bonfire have gathered and the fire is lit, with the help of a loaf of bread, honey and water we say thank you to the Goddess, the mother of the earth and sky.

During the ritual, everyone is invited to give thanks with a handful of grains for both what has been and what will be, as well as to say with a clear mind what they wish for themselves in the future. Songs and dances around the bonfire are also included. The hostess also takes her place as a “thank you” to everyone who has come, for which, in turn, the hostess receives good wishes in return. At the end of the ritual, the initially laid out herbal garland is threaded through each person’s hands into the bonfire – so that all the bad things burn away, and so that we are open to the strengthening energy of the cosmos.

The Solstice celebrations will begin at 6:00 p.m. on June 21 at the Vaidelotes holiday farm.
 
Viktors Kalāns, owner of SIA “Kļavas V” from Daugavpils region.

Every year, a proper green ball, a basket evening, is held in Līksna parish, which is attended by a large number of celebrants. The festive evening is interspersed with various games and live music. The green ball began on the evening of June 23 and lasts until dawn. I see people from all over Latvia at the Latgale green ball.

On Viktor's farm itself, getting together isn't too big, because in dairy farming, work comes first. "This year we have successfully welcomed Midsummer, finishing the first grass cutting on time, so the celebration of Līgo with cheese and beer will begin on June 22nd.”

The owner has always celebrated the Midsummer holiday, even during the Soviet era. Even then, the holiday was welcomed with refreshing beer, delicious cheese, dances and songs. Since the independence, events have been held regularly, and the cultural significance of the holiday and understanding of it have only grown. In recent years, the presence of law enforcement officers has also increased, which is good, because despite the holiday season, people must still be conscientious and not endanger their own lives or the lives of their fellow humans.

The association "Farmers' Council" wishes its fans a joyful and good-thought Solstice season.