Saint Jonas's Festival facts for kids
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Saint Jonas' Festival, also known as Rasos (which means Dew Holiday), Joninės, or Kupolė, is a special summer celebration. It happens on June 24th every year across Lithuania. This festival is also sometimes called Midsummer Day or Saint John's Day. It's a time when people celebrate the longest day of the year and the start of summer.
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What is Saint Jonas' Festival?
Saint Jonas' Festival is a very old celebration that takes place around the summer solstice. This is the day with the most daylight hours in the year. While many countries in Europe celebrate midsummer, Lithuanians have their own special ways of marking this day.
Fun Traditions and Activities
The festival is full of exciting traditions. People sing traditional songs and dance as the sun goes down. They also tell old stories and legends. A popular activity is searching for a magical fern blossom at midnight. People believe finding it brings good luck.
Another exciting tradition is jumping over bonfires. This is often done for fun and to show bravery. As the sun rises on the morning after the longest day, people greet it. Some even wash their faces with the morning dew, believing it brings beauty or health. Young girls often make wreaths from flowers and float them on rivers or lakes. This is a way to tell their future or make wishes.
The Festival's Ancient Roots
For thousands of years, the Balts, who are the ancestors of Lithuanians, celebrated the summer solstice. They called it Rasa. During this time, they would offer gifts to their ancient gods. Special priestesses would light a sacred fire on an altar. This ancient tradition is still carried on today by some groups, like members of the Romuva faith.
How Christianity Changed the Festival
When Christianity came to Lithuania, it brought the celebration of Saint John's Day. This Christian holiday also falls on June 24th. Because of this, the ancient Rasa traditions and the Christian Saint John's Day celebrations blended together.
Today, people of different beliefs, including Christians and Romuviai, celebrate Rasos together. It's a day for everyone to enjoy. People named Jonas, Jonė, or Janina (which are Lithuanian versions of John) receive many greetings and good wishes from their family and friends on this day.
See also
- Kupolė
- Ivan Kupala Day
- Jāņi
- Jaaniõhtu
- Festa de São João do Porto
