Vasaros saulėgrąžos šventė Mažojoje Lietuvoje : tradicijų rekonstrukcija

Abstract

A number of different Summer Sunflower celebration models can be distinguished: the most archaic (16th–19th cc.), the 20th c. and modern St. John’s celebration models in Lithuania Minor. The most archaic celebrations were rich in Baltic outlook and mythological relics: the nature, fire, and water were worshiped, by applying spells people tried to protect themselves from the evil forces and ensure good harvest and a happy life. The 20th century ritual St. John’s tradition of Prussian Lithuanians has lost its existential importance, as rituals became customs with new forms and symbolic meanings. The most important feature of the celebration is the burning of witches on the St. John’s fire and the general entertainment of the youth. In the modern model of the celebration the ethnic traditions are being tried to be combined with the needs of the consumer-based society.