Jaanipev Between History and Anecdotes

It is a magic night and Estonians have known how to celebrate it for centuries. Not much about this night is known by foreigners besides the bonfires and the big celebration; but the midsummer celebration solstice has a lot of traditions and stories surrounding it and the origins of this important event are certainly unclear.

History says that the Jaanipev celebration existed already before Christianity arrived to the country. The ancient Estonians used to light bonfires, drink, dance, sing, follow some rituals and most of these activities did not fade away over the centuries.

Although it has a non Christian origin, it was the crusaders who gave this night its actual name: Jaanipev Even if the bonfires where already part of the tradition, they acquired a special meaning in 1919 during the War of Independence when Estonian troops overcame the German forces on the 23 rd of June connecting the symbol of the fire with independence and freedom. Traditions and anecdotes : The history of Jaanipev is filled with anecdotes and interesting facts. Here you can discover something that -probably - you still do not know.

It is believed that jumper over the bonfire its a sing for good luck and prosperity. The fire scares bad spirits and guarantees a good harvest. The bigger the fire is, the better it will work. The fern flower is only supposed to bloom this night. Young couples go into the forests searching for it. The origin of this tradition is a fairy tale about a couple Koit and Hmarik, who just saw each other on this night every year. If you are single, no problem.

It is said that if a single finds the flower, then she he will have to put it under the pillow to discover the face of the one she or he will married one day while dreaming. Lennart Meri, well remembered Estonian President, affirmed that Jaanipev traditions may be connected with the Kaali Meteorite.

The first fire is lighted by the Estonian President on the morning of the 23 rd. From here, the "light of freedom" is taken all over the country to start other bonfires up.

Source http://estonianfreepress.com/2010/06/jaanipaev-between-histo~

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