Jaaniöö and singing

KAJA PARMING WEEKS

Midsummer is inspirational! I first experienced midsummer eve bonfires held in the Estonian tradition when I was a little girl. These were on the Estonian community’s pine forested land in south Jersey, just as those in other areas of the United States and Canada no doubt did the same in their communal gathering places, or in the yards of private homes or farms. Estonian communities in North America and around the world kept many homeland traditions alive, including this beautiful, radiant one – June 23rd to 24th, when dusk and dawn meet.

As I grew older, I learned more and more about the special customs and magical qualities of this ancient holiday as it was practiced in Estonia. There is so much to read and view through the internet that gives access to both modern ­ day and historic accounts. For example, I am especially grateful for Ahto Kaasik’s class on ancient Estonian spiritual heritage (Eesti Vaimse Pärandi Aluskursus), which I recently completed online.

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Tulge Jaaniku Tulele, Jaaniku, Jaaniku… Come to the St. John’s Bonfire.