The significance of Midsummer Night for Estonians

Midsummer or St. John's Day — Jaanipäev in Estonian — is one of the oldest and most important celebrations in Estonia. Estonians all around the country and around the world gather with their families, friends, or at larger events to celebrate with singing, dancing and the lighting of bonfires, as Estonians have done for centuries. 

Jaanipäev is celebrated on the night between June 23 and 24 and is intertwined with many folk beliefs and traditions that go back to pre-Christian or pagan times.

Jaanipäev coincides with the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere – the summer solstice. Every year the solstice occurs around June 21st. Midsummer festivities in Estonia begin on the eve of June 23rd and conclude on June 24th. Estonians barely sleep during this bright period, sitting outside in the twilight, faces lit by the glow of bonfires.

Jaanipäev, although not known by that name in the pre-Christian era, was celebrated long before the arrival of Christianity in Estonia. After the country was Christianised, the feast took the name Saint John's Day, or Jaanipäev (in Estonian). The arrival of Christianity, however, did not end fertility rituals surrounding this holiday. In 1578, with some disgust, Balthasar Russow wrote in his Livonian Chronicle about Estonians who placed more importance on feasting than going to church. He complained about those who went to church, but did not enter, and instead spent their time lighting bonfires, drinking, dancing, and singing.

The best-known Jaanik, or midsummer ritual, is the lighting of the bonfire and then jumping over it. This is seen as a way of guaranteeing prosperity and avoiding bad luck. Likewise, to not light the fire is to invite the destruction of your house by fire. The fire also frightened away mischievous spirits who avoided it at all costs, thus ensuring a good harvest. So, the bigger the fire, the further the mischievous spirits stayed away.

For Estonians, Jaanipäev celebrations were merged with the celebration of Võidupüha (Victory Day) during the War of Independence when Estonian forces defeated the German troops on 23 June 1919. After this battle against Estonia's traditional oppressors, Jaaniõhtu and the lighting of the traditional bonfires became linked with the ideals of independence and freedom.

Learn more:

Midsummer's Eve – when Dusk meets Dawn (Visit Estonia)

Fire, flower crowns and fern blossoms: Midsummer night in Estonia explained (Estonian World)