Saint John’s Day in Lithuania

The 23rd of June, known as Saint John’s Day, is the most important holiday in Lithuania.

It originates from the pagan celebration of the Midsummer night when during the shortest night of a year, unmarried people were asking their gods to help them find a husband or a wife. They were floating gallons, burning fire, and looking for the fern flower in celebration of the goddess called Kupala, who was believed to take care of courtship and love games. The celebrations persist nowadays as Lithuanians celebrate based on these traditional ceremonies.

Photoseries by Wojciech Grzedzinski @wojciechgrzedzinski

Women are making flower crowns and throwing them on water to pay homage to the goddess called Kupalya. June 21, 2019, Verkiu Parkas, Vilnius, Lithuania

An altar, inspired by pagan traditions is organized in the valley. Celebrated rituals include throwing salt or cereal and sharing bread between people gathered for the ceremonies. June 23, 2019, Kernave Lithuania

The ritual of bidding farewell to the sun is part of the celebrations of St John's Day in Lithuania. Just before the night falls, people with lanterns watch the red ball hide behind the horizon. June 23, 2019, Kernave Lithuania

The biggest event for The Saint John’s celebration is taking place in Kernave, the first capital of Lithuania. Here, before the night falls, people are dancing in circles to the sounds of traditional folkloric music. June 23, 2019, Kernave Lithuania

These photos were taken by Wojciech Grzędziński - Photojournalist based in Poland, and focused on the human condition. His work was awarded by World Press Photo, Visa D'Or, NPPA, Sony World Photography Awards, Grand Press Photo and many others.

Selected by @kasia_strek and curated from @everydayeasterneurope (Instagram handles)