Working and celebrating under the Sun and Moon in the Fields

 In many of the traditional folk tales and songs of Lithuania, The Sun Goddess and the Moon God are referred to as the eyes of God (Sky God called Dievas). Legend tells that if Dievas is displeased that he will send Perkunas, the Thunderer, to punish the wrong doer. Because the fields of rye or other cereal crops, are open places and in clear view of the Sun Goddess, people appear to be constantly conscious of their state of presence and aware not to displease the Gods. Lithuanians working in the fields often sing traditional folk songs. Lithuanian people would sing in the fields for many practical,spiritual and mental reasons apart from a simple love of singing. Singing, often sutartines*, people felt good and a great way to pass time, Singing is known to be good for the lungs and good for the soul. Singing also reinforces harmony within the community because everyone must sing their part to make the song and harmony with the universe. I do believe that creation exists as a song and our uni-verse is just "one verse" in a greater song. I believe that singing is a way to harmonise with our universe and please our deities.

There are many customs that farmers would perform to ensure a good harvest from the fields. One such custom is when a piece of white bread would be buried in a field destined to grow flax, to ensure that the flax produces the whitest linen.When the field of rye was almost fully harvested,the harvesters also would be careful to ensure that the last sheath remained un cut because this is where Boba (spirit of the fields/Old Hag) will live until the next crop next year. A place for Boba is kept to ensure a bountiful harvest next year. When the harvest is complete, a wreath of rye is presented to the best harvester and everyone celebrates at the field owners home..

In preparation for the Summer solstice celebration (Rasa), people visit the open meadows to pick the various wildflowers to make head wreaths. Prognostications would later be made by certain wise women based on the flowers picked for the wreath. The celebration of Rasa, along with Springtime festivals such as Jore, are also held outside, preferably in a field near water a being close to a medieval castlemount is a bonus! At Rasa, people sing and dance all night long playing lots of games to predict your future including jumping the fire, trying to throw your flower wreath so that it hooks on one of the 3 branches on the Kupala pole*

In Lithuania, the fields and meadows are special places for both the agriculturalist and community and a place where old customs are still performed to this day. As an Australian Lithuanian Romuvis, I am aware that many of the Lithuanian customs may not be relevent here in Australia but many of the concepts and ideas of my ancestors still affect my own personal world view, attitudes and practice. I don't have a field or acreage myself but still grow various crops in my vegetable patches. I believe doing this also helps me to be in harmony with the seasonal cycles of nature. I believe that my songs sung as I work with my crops are pleasing to my deities, if not to anyone else. When I organise celebrations, they are always in nature but I am sensitive to local Aboriginal "Spirits of place", so I prefer to celebrate at my own sacred places in my garden out of respect. Gatherings are usually small enough and a field or meadow is not required.
 
*Sutartines are poly phonic, multipart songs that are archaic in style and interpretation. If you follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wij_cgVGOxw, you may learn more about Sutartines.

*Kupala pole is a pole decorated with flowers and greenery which may also be seen as a representation of the World Tree. The Kupala pole traditionally has 3 branches representing light from the Sun, Moon and Stars.

*Jore is a Springtime celebration of the blossoming and adundance of nature and crops. Re enactments of medieval battles between the invading crusaders and the indigenous pagans are often performed at this celebration. Naturally the pagans win every battle!!