Summer Solstice- In Lithuania and in Australia

Lithuanians observe many Earth and Sky customs in their traditional calendar which are practised at the appropriate seasonal moment in the yearly cycle. natures fertility and harvest is marked by festivals and likewise the Equinoxes and Solstices are important times. Summer solstice is marked by a festival whose customs are steeped in magic and folklore and mythology. I observe many of the same customs at the appropriate time in the year, here in Australia. eg, Lithuania celebrates Summer Solstice in June whereas Summer Solstice occurs in December here in Australia. 

In this article, I would like to introduce the reader to the traditional Lithuanian customs of Summer Solstice and explain how I have adapted some of those customs, in my life here in Australia. I believe, that by observing these customs, I have found a very real type of harmony with the cycles of the Cosmic forces of Sky and the Terrestrial forces of Earth that makes me more feel more centered and in tune with the forces of the Gods and Goddesses of the Earth and the beautiful song of the universe.

In Lithuania, the festival of Summer Solstice was originally known as, "Rasa"(Dew), or, "Kupolines" (vegetation). This Svente (festival), is named after the Goddess Rasa, and her Mother, Goddess Kupole. It is a svente full of magic and myth, divination and just plain fun. It is a public holiday in the country so EVERYONE revels in the festivities. 

Young Girls wake early on this day and run through the dew soaked rye, go back to bed and dream of their intended lover. People collect dew to wash their face so their complexion will be clear for the next year.

People also knew that Ragana, the Witch Goddess of witchcraft collect the dew for her own magic. Some say its evil magic but I believe that she stimulates the regenerative powers of nature by causing the decline of nature. She is the necessary evil and her magic must happen if nature and humankind is to flourish again next year.

                                                                                                           

Women collect flowers from the meadows to make wreaths, which they wear throughout the festival. The flowers are a symbol of the blossoming vegetation from Kupole and the circular wreaths are a symbol of Saule, the Sun Goddess.

The Svente festival is set up generally somewhere in nature, by a lake or body of water and preferable near a sacred hill if possible. Bonfires and the green gate are set up. Wheels and a straw man are set on long poles and burnt at sunset when the bonfires are also lit. People dance and sing loudly in order to scare off the Witches.

People know that Saule the Sun Goddess is in decline from this day and needs all the extra light and fire from the fires burning for Her.

Burning wheels and logs are rolled down hills which also represent the passage of the Sun.

At midnight, young couples search for the fern that flowers. If found it is believed that you will acquire the knowledge of of things secret. Wisdom and hidden treasures, or so it is believed, the number of kids conceived on this night predicts the bounty of the harvest. 

At sunrise songs are sung to the rising Sun and wreaths with candles are floated on the river or lake for further prognostications.. people bathe in rivers for it's healing and beauty qualities. When the rays of the Dear Sun return for another year, the nightlong celebration comes to an end and people go home to sleep off the "Rasa hang over" from all the dancing, singing and bonfire jumping.



In Australia, Summer Solstice is much less low key than in Lithuania. Astronomically and seasonally attuned Pagans honour and celebrate the Summer Solstice in December, when most secular and religious people are celebrating the Winter Solstice Yule and Christmas customs of their Northern hemisphere cousins. Their customs are performed at the same time in the annual calendar, but not the same time in the seasonal and astronomical calendar. 

I understand the sense of connection that Lithuanians here in Australia feel by performing the traditional Lithuanian Winter Solstice custom of Kucios. at the same time in the calendar as their Lithuanian family and ancestors in Lithuania, in the Mother land. Old Lithuanian people feel that by doing this they will be more connected to their homeland, their ancestors and to their past.

Most Secular non religious and Religious Christian people alike, express the philosophy of, "peace on earth and good will to all." People have forgiveness in their hearts and wish blessings of goodwill in the name of Christmas' and that's ok because these sentiments apply to both Winter and summer pagan festivals. 

Australian Pagans are from many different backgrounds and no matter to which path you adhere, most recognise the true, "reason for the season.". We all honor the Sun with different terminology and in our own way, so all I can share with you, is what Australian Lithuanian Romuvai, do at the time of Summer Solstice. 

I could not even attempt to replicate, here in Australia, the national joy and involvement in this celebration, as they do in Lithuania. My own celebrations are usually small private affairs inviting the local pagan community to share. I try to perform all Lithuanian customs as closely as possible and using the original terminology so that Lithuanian mythology comes alive and becomes very really relevant to me and enables genuine connection with my ancestors and their Gods and goddesses of nature and the universe, and the local Deities, from where I live.
   
 I will briefly explain some of the symbolism of the Gods and Goddesses of ancient Baltic mythology which plays a big role in Summer Solstice celebrations, here in Australia.

At Solstice, the celestial Fire of Saule, the Sun Goddess is strengthened by the terrestrial Fire of Gabija, guardian Goddess of the Hearth and so Fire features everywhere in Summer Solstice. Balance is found in Sky and Earth. Male and female. Dievas and Zemyna (Sky God and Earth Goddess). Symbols of the Sun can be seen in the shape of the Flower wreaths and Oak wreaths made. Perkunas, The Thunder God is remembered through the symbolism of the oak tree and flowers represent Kupole. the Flourishing Goddess who is responsible for the abundance of the upcoming harvest. 

Ragana and her regenerative powers Ragana is like the gardener who must prune in order to get better growth and crops, the next year. Ragana is a relevant force to Lithuanians and Australians.

Dew and sacred waters are also very important elements that needs no explaining to Australians. Rivers that flow from West to East are extra special.

I believe that by adhering to the customs of my Ancestors, I have been given an insight into their unique worldview and opened me up to their world. There are various Gods and Goddesses who cross waters to show us that they are still relevant to us here in Australia in the modern age. I will forever carry their flames within me.

Tebunie Darna (Let there be Harmony)