Baltic Mythology: Wheel Of The Year and Ancient Festivals

--- **Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Baltic Traditions with "Baltic Mythology: Wheel Of The Year and Ancient Festival"** 🌲✨ **Course by Niina Pekantyatar** --- ### **Dive into the Enchanting World of Latvian and Lithuanian Folklore!** *Discover the rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, and enchanting tales that reveal the essence of ancient Baltic societies.* Baltic mythology and folklore are a treasure trove of stories featuring mighty heroes, wise speaking snakes, and fairies that dance in meadows or reside within the shimmering arc of a rainbow. These captivating narratives aren't just tales; they are the keys to understanding the deep-rooted customs and daily life of our ancestors. --- ### **Course Overview:** - **Explore the Wheel of the Year** - Understand how ancient Baltic communities lived in harmony with nature, celebrating key agricultural moments through festivals dedicated to deities such as Saule (the sun goddess), Perkunas (god of thunder), and Zemyna (goddess of the earth). - **Ancestor Worship** - Learn about the significant role ancestors played in Baltic culture, with special attention to days like Velines, when the veil between worlds is thin, and Lyge, the spring equinox celebrating the resurrection of Zemyna and the dance of snakes. - **Festivals & Celebrations** - From Velines, the day of the dead, to Kucios and Kaledos Yuletide, through Uzgavenes, Rasa, and beyond, immerse yourself in the vibrant and magical traditions of the ancient Baltic people. --- ### **Key Festivals and Deities:** **🌃 Velines** - The Day of the Dead, where the line between the living and the dead blurs, allowing for communication with ancestral spirits. **⛄ Kucios and Kaledos Yuletide** - Celebrating the winter solstice, a time when the earth goes to sleep under a blanket of snow, awaiting the return of the sun goddess Saule. **🌸 Uzgavenes** - Shrovetide, marking Saule's awakening and the end of winter's darkness, filled with feasting and games. **☀️ Lyge** - The spring equinox, a celebration of Zemyna's rebirth, where snakes dance to honor the earth goddess. **🌞 Rasa** - The summer solstice, when Saule dances across the sky, bringing light and warmth to everyone's heart. --- ### **Why Take This Course?** - **Historical Insight** - Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance behind Baltic festivals and traditions. - **Cultural Connection** - Connect with your heritage or find parallels with your own cultural practices. - **Personal Enrichment** - Discover how to incorporate these ancient customs into your personal life for spiritual enrichment or cultural exploration. - **Folklore Expertise** - Learn from a seasoned folklorist and mythology researcher, Niina Pekantyatar, who brings a unique perspective by studying the intersections of Baltic mythology with Finnish folklore. --- **Embark on a Journey through Time and Tradition with "Baltic Mythology: Wheel Of The Year and Ancient Festival". Enroll now to uncover the mysteries of our ancestors and celebrate the enduring power of folklore.** 📚🌙 ---