TIME CHECK: 1:34AM
Nightless night. Celebrating midsummer eve, the shortest night of the year, through Latvian folk songs & dances, local beers, and bonfires.
Earlier, I had the unique privilege to first-handly experience Ligo (or Jāņi), an all-important celebration in Latvia, qualified as the Christmas of summer; danced it out with the locals, had a taste of some of the Latvian local cuisines served during the festivities, and witnessed the lighting of bonfires. Had to go home early though, to catch the last ride. But next time I will be here, I will make sure to have my own wreath, then jump over the cinders to have an authentic, complete Ligo experience.
Tracing back this celebration's origins to paganism, the thought felt odd, initially, but later on, did not, at all. The summer solstice actually falls a few nights prior to this date, but with the Christian influence on Latvia, it was moved to June 23, the name day for Jaan (or St. John). As tradition dictates, I had to stay up until the sun rises to beat the sleepiness curse for the rest of the summer. Thus, this late-night/early-morning journal entry to kill some time, while waiting for the sun to rise.
