Jāņi

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Midsummer, Latvian midsummer festival
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/ˈjaːɲi/
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Latvia's traditional midsummer festival, celebrated through the shortest night of the year.

Examples

  • Pirms Jāņiem viņi sapina ozollapu un ziedu vainagus.
    Before Jāņi, they wove oak-leaf and flower wreaths.
  • Šogad mēs svinēsim Jāņus laukos pie draugiem.
    This year we will celebrate Jāņi in the countryside with friends.
  • Jāņos daudzi paliek nomodā līdz saullēktam.
    During Jāņi, many people stay awake until sunrise.
  • Jāņu vakarā pie ugunskura skanēja līgo dziesmas.
    On Jāņi eve, midsummer songs rang out by the bonfire.
  • Jāņi ir vieni no nozīmīgākajiem latviešu gadskārtu svētkiem.
    Jāņi is one of the most important festivals in the Latvian seasonal calendar.

Similar words

vasaras saulgrieži
līgosvētki
Jāņu diena

Meanings

Latvian midsummer festival

noun
culture
neutral
The major Latvian midsummer celebration held on 23 and 24 June, marked by bonfires, singing, wreaths, cheese, beer, and staying awake until sunrise.

Examples

  • Jāņi ir vieni no nozīmīgākajiem latviešu gadskārtu svētkiem.
    Jāņi is one of the most important festivals in the Latvian seasonal calendar.
  • Šogad mēs svinēsim Jāņus laukos pie draugiem.
    This year we will celebrate Jāņi in the countryside with friends.
  • Pirms Jāņiem viņi sapina ozollapu un ziedu vainagus.
    Before Jāņi, they wove oak-leaf and flower wreaths.
  • Jāņu vakarā pie ugunskura skanēja līgo dziesmas.
    On Jāņi eve, midsummer songs rang out by the bonfire.
  • Jāņos daudzi paliek nomodā līdz saullēktam.
    During Jāņi, many people stay awake until sunrise.

Similar words

Etymology

The name is the plural form of Jānis. The Latvian National Encyclopedia connects it with Jānis, a mythical central figure in the festival's songs and stories.

FAQ

What does Jāņi mean?

Jāņi is Latvia's traditional midsummer festival, celebrated on 23 and 24 June.

Is Jāņi singular or plural?

Jāņi is a masculine plural-only noun.

What is the genitive form of Jāņi?

The genitive plural is Jāņu, as in Jāņu siers and Jāņu nakts.

When are Jāņi celebrated?

Jāņi are celebrated from the evening of 23 June through 24 June.

How are Jāņi traditionally celebrated?

People light bonfires, sing līgo songs, wear wreaths, eat caraway cheese, drink beer, and stay awake until sunrise.

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