Tag: Ysyakh

Arctic Midsummer – party time with pagan roots

On By fstammleIn All, Announcements, Fennoscandia, Human-animal relations, Indigenous Peoples, Russian North, Spirituality1 Comment

In the European Arctic Midsummer nowadays marks mostly the start of the summer holidays. But at the roots of this big holiday, celebrated on or close to the longest day of the year, are pre-christian traditions. Asking from the spirits for a good harvest and for protection from evil forces were at the centre of …

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Ysyakh 2020 – solstice festival online

On By fstammleIn All, Announcements, Fieldwork, Indigenous Peoples, Russian North, Spirituality1 Comment

Midsummer, solstice on the 21 June is for many northern peoples and cultures an important holiday. In Finland it's called Juhannus and a state holiday. In Yakutia, where I am now, it's called Ysyakh, and considered the Sakha people's new year day. The 2020 celebrations obviously come in a very different format in comparison to …

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