RE: LeoThread 2025-06-24 22:08
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Bonfire on the beach
(Last night. ~100m from my home)
Bonfires are central to Lithuania's celebration of the shortest night of the
year during the Midsummer festival known as Jonines.
The bonfires symbolize purification of body and soul, and their flames are
believed to strengthen the sun as it begins its descent after the summer solstice
People jump over the fires for health, protection from diseases, and to gain strength for the coming summer work.
Couples jumping together are thought to strengthen their bond and may soon
marry.
Afterwards, ashes are scattered on fields to ensure good crops, and livestock is led through embers for well-being.
The brightness of the bonfire's flames is also seen as an omen for a plentiful harvest.
The ritual unites communities through
singing, dancing, and shared participation, blending ancient pagan customs with Christian traditions.
In Denmark this is called 'Sankt Hans'. Celebrated much in the same way, only for us it's the 23rd of June 😃
Awesome shot!
love a big fire. Don’t do it anymore though. Cool picture and tradition.
We do that here in Finland as well!
It is truly captivating to learn of the profound cultural significance attributed to bonfires within the Lithuanian Midsummer festival, Joninės.
Beautiful spot to observe.
The symbolism of the bonfires for purification and strengthening the sun is really powerful. It sounds like a truly communal and meaningful celebration, blending ancient customs beautifully. Thank you for sharing.
It’s truly heartwarming to hear about communities coming together like that, celebrating nature and sharing hopes for the future. There’s a real beauty in those rituals that connect people to something ancient and meaningful.
A beach bonfire, so near home, in honor of the shortest night of the year,it all just sounds so enchanting. The fireside symbolism of purification and empowering the sun, and the rituals of leaping through fires for health and sturdy connections, are just so full of meaning.
It must have been amazing to see a bonfire celebration only a hundred meters from your house. These old customs that bind us to the natural cycles have a very potent quality. It's primal in the best sense to jump over fires for protection and health.
Wow, this is incredibly rich in symbolism and tradition.
It’s beautiful how fire becomes more than just warmth, it becomes healing, bonding, and even prophecy.
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of Jonines, felt like I was there for a moment!
I love how deeply symbolic these rituals are strengthening bonds, blessing the land, and calling in abundance.
Thank you for sharing this glimpse into the heart of Lithuanian summer 🌾💛