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Jonas Stundzia wearing a head garland made of oak leaves and holding a kupole staff, Lithuanian summer solstice garlands, 2012
Jonas Stundzia
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Photography by Maggie Holtzberg
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Jonas Stundzia is a second generation Lithuanian-American and an elder of the Romuva Organization, which is dedicated to maintaining ancient traditions of the Baltic people. He has extensive knowledge on Lithuanian food, culture, weaving, rituals, religion, and craft, and is considered to be an "Older One" in his community, based on his knowledge and dedication to his Lithuanian heritage.
Head garlands are worn during the Rasos Svente, or Dew Festival, which culminates on the Midsummer feast of St. John the Baptist, a few days after summer solstice, and celebrates harmony with nature. Water, fire, flowers, and the sun are important elements of this festival. Garlands made of wild flowers, herbs, and grasses are used to adorn the head and shoulders. People also float garlands with lit candles on the water, to guide the sun back to earth. As wreaths, garlands are used to decorate homes, and also thrown into the solstice bonfire to burn.
Garlands are also used for divination. A young woman throws her garland into a birch tree, and if it lands high in the tree it means she will be married that year. She then places it under her pillow while she sleeps and the man she will marry will appear in her dreams.
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