Ancient Latvian Festivals & Customs

Sēršu laiks, Frost Time
February 7 to March 23 (22 on leap year)
cold and humid -> frost 		Pelnu diena February 7. 1st day of new year.
Newlyweds move to new home.

Lieldienas March 23 (22 on leap year) Spring eqinox, so from this point on, the days are longer than the nights.
lit. Long Days. Celebrations revolve around word "big: big days, well wishes for big harvests..., big swing is hung to represent Dievs cradle.

Lieldienas con't. March 24, 25 (23, 24, 25 on leap year). Extra days added to ancient calendar as celebration.
Pavasara Laiks, Spring Time
March 26 to May 9 		Usini May 9. End of spring, beginning of summer.
Dawn and movement of sunlight are celebrated.
Sējas Laiks, Planting Time
May 10 to June 23 		Jani June 23. Summer solstice - longest day of year.
Mating game
Siena Laiks, Hay Time
June 24 to August 7
Vasaras Svētki
Pēteri June 24. Beginning of harvest season
Laidene July 2. Young maidens debate male prospects of previous weeks Jani celebration
Jēkabi July 29. Celebrate bringing in first harvest
Māra Day August 7. End of summer, beginning autumn.
In honour of Goddess Mara. Market day.
Rudens Laiks, Autumn Time
August 8 to September 21
leaves changing color
Rudens Svētki
Apjumibas September 20. Bringing seeds for next year
Miķeļi September 21. Autumn Equinox.
Thanksgiving. Last chance to receive/give wedding proposal
Veļu Laiks, Ghost Time
September 22 to November 5
no leaves, grey 		Miķeļi con't September 22

Invite your favorite Veļi over for Beer!

Rudens Svētki con't
Apkulības November 4. Bring in remaining crop for winter
Mārtiņi November 5. End of autumn, beginning of winter
Ledus Laiks. Ice Time
November 6 to December 20
everything freezes over 		Masquerading, Ķekata Laiks
Wedding Time

Ziemassvetki, Winter Festival December 20. Winter Solstice - shortest day of year.

Ziemassvētki con't. December 21, 22, 23. Extra days added to ancient calendar as celebration.
Ziemas Laiks, Winter Time
December 24 to February 6
lots of snow 		Masquerading, Ķekata Laiks con't

Meteni February 6. End of winter, beginning of spring