On June 24, Lithuanians around the country will celebrate Rasos, or Midsummer Day. While midsummer day is a holiday celebrated across Europe, many Lithuanians have quite active schedules on this day. The customs include dancing till the sun sets, singing songs, telling stories, looking for the magic fern blossom at midnight, jumping over bonfires, waking up to the midsummer sun, bathing the face with morning dew, and watching young girls float flower wreaths on rivers or lakes. In order to honor the pagan gods, sacrifices have been made by the Balts, who are the ancestors of the Lithuanians, on the summer solstice (known as Rasa to the Lithuanians), and priestesses ignite the altar fire. This custom is still practiced today. Romuva members normally carry out the rite. Rasos is observed by both Romuviai and those of other faiths together
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[Wikipedia-Link : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Jonas%27s_Festival ]
[Image : Celebration of Rasos Festival in Lithuania] [The Image
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.jpg "Rituals and Customs")
Rituals and Customs
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