Latest news with #traditions
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauren Sanchez channels her conservative side as she embraces old-fashioned wedding traditions
Something borrowed, something blue - some traditions embraced and some the bride chose not to! Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos are now officially married, with the 61-year-old Amazon founder and his new wife not sparing any expense on their rumored $20 million wedding in Venice, Italy. The duo, whose nuptials have been dubbed the 'wedding of a century,' welcomed nearly 200 VIPs for three days of lavish celebrations. It was previously revealed that Sánchez and Bezos had already married legally ahead of today's ceremony on San Giorgio Maggiore island, but the duo chose to celebrate in an elaborate multi-day event abroad. The couple, who have been dating since 2019, said they weren't going to 'have a lot of traditions' as part of the nuptials. The blushing bride told Vogue that although she 'love traditions,' it is a 'little different' for a 55-year-old woman. However, despite Sánchez's - now Sánchez-Bezos - words, the newlyweds did choose some specific traditions they wanted to embrace on their big day. FEMAIL has taken a look at which the couple stuck to - and which they didn't. Not seeing the groom on the morning of the wedding Sánchez was pictured going solo as she left the five-star Aman hotel on Friday morning before making her way to San Giorgio Maggiore island ahead of exchanging vows with the billionaire tech mogul. She was then photographed walking alone along a bridge on the island, indicating she spent the night alone - and not with her now husband - ahead of saying their vows. Traditionally, couples do not see each other ahead of the ceremony to maintain an element of surprise and excitement before the bride walks down the aisle. Vogue confirmed that Sánchez and Bezos followed the tradition. Wearing white to walk down the aisle Sanchez has become synonymous with wearing eye-catching patterns and plunging ensembles to star-studded events and red carpets - but today she opted for something more traditional. The journalist stunned in a high-necked Dolce & Gabbana white lace gown. The entire dress was made from lace with a delicate floral pattern. The designer piece featured a tight bodice, long flowing skirt with an enormous train and buttons down the front, with the sheer sleeves showing off the delicate lace. The blushing bride's long brown tresses were pulled back behind a veil and she wore a striking natural makeup look. She revealed she also kept to the tradition of not letting her husband-to-be see her dress before the big day. 'I almost gave in,' she admitted, adding he 'begged' her for a glimpse. 'But I want it to be a surprise. As you get a little older, not many things surprise you. I can't wait to see his face.' Something borrowed... and an unusual something blue Sánchez embraced the old English saying, 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' She opted to wear a pair of Dolce earrings as her something borrowed, and gave a nod to Blue Origin - Bezos' space travel company - for her something blue. She told Vogue she carried a secret souvenir up in the rocket during her famed trip to space in April, when she blasted into space on a Blue Origin flight, NS-31, which made headlines with its all-female flight crew. Sánchez explained she did so so she could bring the souvenir back for Bezos, 'because it was literally one of the most profound experiences I've ever had in my life.' 'Seeing Earth from space, I came down and I couldn't describe it. It was the greatest experience I've ever had. Jeff said, 'It's gonna change you more than you think,' and it completely has, visually, spiritually,' she gushed. Sánchez didn't reveal what the souvenir was but is thought to have had it near on her big day. Celebrating her upcoming nuptials on a weekend away Like most brides, Sánchez opted to celebrate her upcoming nuptials with a bachelorette party with her closest female friends - previously sharing snaps from a lavish weekend away in Paris, France. The Emmy-award winning journalist had a full weekend of celebrations planned and kicked off her pre-wedding festivities with the help of her A-list pals, including Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Katy Perry, Kris Jenner and more. The glowing star was pictured beaming while surrounded by her pals in the city of love. 'Forever starts with friendship, surrounded by the women who've lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times, and shaped my heart along the way,' she wrote in the caption. Wearing white before she ties the knot Sánchez has embraced being a bride to the fullest, wearing white to some of her pre-wedding events as per tradition - but not all. On the morning of the wedding, the blushing bride wore an elegant two piece, which consisted of an ivory tailored pea coat with black buttons, paired with a matching skirt. She completed her chic ensemble with printed headscarf, elegantly wrapped around her chocolate caramel tresses and a pair of classic black Celine sunglasses, along with a black croc-print handbag. For their rehearsal dinner, the former journalist wore a striking corset dress from Schiaparelli's 2025 couture collection. The golden $100,000 pre-wedding gown was 'a performance piece' that teased the opulent $20 million nuptials with tech billionaire Jeff Bezos yet to come, fashion experts shared. Walked down aisle by her father Sánchez has a complicated relationship with some members of her family, with her mother Eleanor and brother Michael reportedly not invited to her big day. The writer has two older brothers, Paul and Michael, but has a strained relationship with the latter. Michael was accused of the one who leaked the news of her relationship with Bezos. Despite telling Page Six, 'I would never sell out my sister. Everything I did was to protect Jeff and Lauren', The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that the Enquirer paid Michael $200,000. The Times reported that Michael claims to not have seen his sister since 2019 and not spoken to her since 2020, the legal battle over the leaking of the affair story created an 'irreparable fissure.' The outlet also said Sánchez's father Ray, brother Paul and half-sister Elena - who also joined her on her bachelorette trip to Paris - attended the celebrations. The couple will be blending their family officially with Bezos' four children - whom he shares with his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott - officially becoming the step-siblings of Sánchez's three children. Taking her husband's name Sánchez has made it clear in the past she has every intention of taking her husband's surname as per tradition - and she has already update her social media account accordingly. Sánchez was also snapped earlier today wearing two dazzling rings and a bracelet with LB initials on her wrist - likely to mark her new moniker of Lauren Bezos. In 2023, the loved-up bride-to-be told Vogue how excited she is to be Mrs Bezos. 'Uh, yes, 100 percent. I am looking forward to being Mrs. Bezos,' she gushed at the time.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We're a real gypsy family of 29 people – traditions people don't know including why we jump over brooms & burn caravans
A FAMILY of Romani Gypsies have lifted the lid on their 'proud' traditions, busting myths peddled by TV shows and revealing how life revolves around food, family - and bleach. The family of 15 adults and 14 children, who have established a permanent camp at the disused Wigmore Coach Park off the M2 in Kent, said misconceptions thanks to shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding often paint them in an unfavourable light. 17 17 17 Oldy Herring - who is now the elder of the family unit at 67 but was once the youngest - and his wife Tina say 'nonsense' fake traditions such as 'grabbing' at Gypsy weddings are made up and offensive. Oldy insists that, in reality, if a young Gypsy tried to grab a young woman at a wedding he'd get little more than a black eye from her family for his lack of respect. Instead, the couple explained that Romani Gypsy culture revolves around family, respect for elders, religion, storytelling, animals, cleanliness, charity and community. The family - who live with a whole host of animals - recently won the right to permanently stay at the former park and ride after winning a landmark case against Medway Council - which spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money fighting the case. But they say the only reason people don't want to live alongside them is that they know so little about them and their rich culture. However, due to reports of 'Gypsies' causing trouble across the country, the families say they're often 'tarred with the same brush'. "I have kept my family together all of my life," Oldy, who has 18 great-grandchildren and around the same number of grandchildren, adding: "There's a birthday every week! "We've got feelings and we've got respect for ourselves and decency for other people. We have been like that all our lives. "But people look down on us like we have just come from Mars. "We are rough and ready, but any one of you can have bread and cheese with us - we are human. Gypsy Rose Blanchard reveals reason behind 25lb weight loss as she flaunts slim waist after giving birth "People who put their noses up at us, all I say is: come and find out who we are. We just try and keep ourselves to ourselves. "They give us a bad name until they get to know us, then they realise we are not like they think we are. "People are frightened by the myth. We've just got a bad name." Despite settling down at the Kent site, Oldy - who admits never having been to school in his life - says the family will continue their Romani Gypsy traditions that have been around for centuries. 17 17 MARRIAGE TRADITIONS He explained that marriages and funerals are the big calendar occasions, as well as Christmas. The jumping of the broomstick, where newly married couples go hand-in-hand over a brush, is a wedding tradition that lives on. And despite mostly keeping it in the Romani Gypsy community, there's no rules against marrying outsiders. "We try to marry in the Roma community, but you don't have to," Oldy said. "Once [outsiders] are in, they often don't want to leave. "Once you are married, you are married for life. And the girls go and live with their husbands and their families." "Girls have got to be kept pure until they are married," Oldy's wife, Tina, added. "Everyone travels to be together for weddings and funerals. Everyone will come from miles around." 17 TV BACKLASH However, Oldy says shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have peddled offensive falsities about some supposed traditions. The controversial act of 'grabbing' seen on the show, where young men throw women over their shoulders to force a kiss, is one myth Oldy wanted to bust. "We don't believe in that; that's just something the young boys started doing," he said. "That Big Gypsy Weddings show… It's a load of nonsense. That brought on the misconceptions - it's all put on. 17 17 "If you tried to grab a Gypsy girl at a wedding, you would get a punch: that's disrespecting that woman." "Lots of things were wrong on that show," Tina agreed. "Religion is a big part of our culture. Everybody believes in the Lord and bringing kids up with Christian values." Tina added that charity was also a big part of the culture. "Because we know what it's like to not have any bread in you, or not to have a roof over your head," Oldy rejoined. "If we see someone who needs help, we help them. We can't understand why people don't do the same for us." KEEPING CLEAN Keeping a clean home is also essential to their way of life, with Tina crediting it for helping to stop the spread of diseases in their community. "We like a bottle of bleach and always have done," she said. "A lot of people only use bleach in their toilets, but we use it everywhere. "We've got funny beliefs and strict rules." Another of these beliefs, Tina explained, is that toilets and showers inside their caravans are never used, saying: "Never in a million years do you use the toilet or shower in your caravan. "It's too close to your sink." 17 Instead they use publicly available shower blocks and toilets, or facilities in gyms and pubs. Oldy adds that he would pray their next site would be clean when he was a young boy, as it was always his job to clear it. "And people have the cheek to say, 'Dirty, stinking gypsies'," he said. Tina also revealed a lesser-known tradition after the passing of loved ones in the Romani Gypsy community, saying: "When you die, if there's no one to live in your caravan, the caravan gets burned." Animals and storytelling also play big roles in Romani Gypsy life. "Because we couldn't read or write, we told stories," Oldy said. "Animals are a big part of our lives; the country is our lives, and we love the country." 17 DISHING UP Food, as in most cultures, also plays a huge part in bringing together the family for evening meals. 'Old-fashioned' dishes, like meat puddings and rice puddings, are cooked in centuries-old cast-iron pots that have cooked thousands of meals over the years. The ancient pots hang in an open shed on the family's site, under which a young Jack Russell puppy barks below a framed photo of the Kray twins, who were of Romani descent. Tina explained that the pots - always heated over dead wood, which 'doesn't smoke' - lock the taste and smell of the food cooked in them. 17 "Meat's a big part of our diet," Tina said. "I have never met a vegetarian gypsy in my life." Despite a reputation for violence and bare-knuckle boxing, Oldy claims that the majority of the time, disputes are settled with words rather than fists. Their Christian values also encourage them to help out others in need, such as motorists who've broken down near their site. Tina also recalled stepping in during the beating of a young girl, who she took in and cleaned up after intervening. This is the first time the family have been granted permission to stay permanently at a site, meaning their children can continue studying at local schools. 17 "All we want is somewhere to stop," Oldy continued. "We keep it clean and tidy and nobody has complained about us. "We went to the courts and won our case. We are a quiet family and we are willing to pay our way. We pay to stay here, for the bins and the toilets. "Our children love the school here. I have never been to school in my life. It's not because we're stupid, it's because we've not had a place to call home. "The kids ask with their homework, 'Is this right?' and I say, 'You tell me!'. "I am trying to bring my children up the best way I can. "There's a lot of people who think travelling is a good way of life. "You've got to be born with this and it goes through generations. "I am so proud of being a gypsy. There's good and bad, but they all paint us with the same brush." 17 17 LONG-TERM HOME Having spent their lives up until now constantly on the move, only looking for a new site 'once we got bored', the family is now content to stay at the Wigmore Coach Park site, saying it's become more and more difficult to keep moving. Oldy said the kids are 'over the moon' at being able to have birthday parties, which they were reluctant to have whilst moving around for fear of being moved on - with Tina saying they were once moved on three times one Christmas Eve. The family recalls horrific instances of racism against their people in decades gone by, with Oldy claiming a police officer once told him: "Hitler had the right idea with you; they should've shot you all." 17 Other horror stories include burning tyres being rolled under caravans in which children slept and having pesticide purposefully sprayed on them and their belongings. Tina also recounts children's nursery rhymes warning against 'playing with Gypsies', saying this added fuel to the fire of people's perception of them. Cllr Satinder Shokar, of Medway Council, who has supported the families at the Wigmore Coach Park site 'from day one', says he's personally seen evidence of racism against the families from the authorities. "What I realised as a councillor was that the racism within organisations is institutionalised racism," he said. "There's not anywhere we didn't encounter it. We felt it important that their voices were heard. "[Being granted permanent residence at the Wigmore site] is another key victory for these families, offering further hope after years of repeated planning refusals. 17 "With over 90 per cent of applications refused nationwide, until these figures change, the long-term trend of cultural apartheid against the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community will persist." It was revealed recently that cash-strapped Medway Council spent as much as £100,000 in taxpayer money on court fees fighting against the family's right to remain at the site. Oldy says he doesn't blame outsiders for their misinformed, stereotypical perception of his people. A closer look at gypsy traditions HERE we take a look at some of the traditions many gypsies follow... Family-Centric Living: The family is the cornerstone of Romani life, with extended families often living close to one another. Elders are highly respected and play a crucial role in decision-making and maintaining cultural traditions. Nomadic Heritage: Many Gypsy communities maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving seasonally to find work or attend cultural gatherings. This tradition is deeply rooted in their history and identity. Distinctive Décor: Romani homes, whether they are caravans or fixed abodes, are often brightly decorated with vibrant colours and intricate patterns. These decorations reflect their rich cultural heritage and love for beauty. Communal Gatherings: Social gatherings are a significant part of Gypsy life. Celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, are grand affairs involving music, dance, and feasting, often stretching over several days. Spiritual Practices: Many Gypsy families incorporate a blend of Christian beliefs and traditional spiritual practices. Homes may feature religious icons and amulets believed to offer protection and bring good fortune. Craftsmanship and Artistry: Romani people are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork, woodwork, and textiles. These skills are often passed down through generations and are a source of both pride and livelihood. Hospitality: Hospitality is a valued tradition. Guests are treated with great respect and generosity, often being offered the best food and drink available as a sign of honour and goodwill. Sharing Stories: Storytelling is a vital part of Romani culture, preserving history, morals, and lessons through generations. Elders often share tales that are both entertaining and educational. He says those who give his people a bad name, leaving trails of rubbish behind them after festivals and gatherings, often aren't even Gypsies but just 'like the way of life' and are 'lost'. Oldy said the same could also be said of many of those outside the Gypsy community, saying: "There's no respect. "I think they've just lost their way, but there's nothing wrong with them. "Respect for the elders is a big thing for us: respect your parents and grandparents. "We don't believe in letting our children go. That's our job, from the moment I got my eldest son. "Our way of life is coming to an end. But we don't want our tradition and culture to end. "We are holding our hands up and saying, 'We want to stay here'. "This is paradise for us. Just stopping here... It's like winning the lottery. "They are realising we are human beings."
Associated Press
4 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Ang Brothers Funeral Services: Guiding Families to the Right Farewell Choices in Singapore
Planning a Loved One's Funeral Preparing your households Younger Youngsters for Halloween It can be problematic to realize exactly how to help young kids have a good time at Halloween, but it is valued at the trouble. At a time of mourning, families are forced to decide quickly but thoughtfully how to honor their loved ones in a way,which is reverent and dignified. Selecting the right funeral service provider can offer some peace of mind, help lighten this burden, and provide a service that is filled with compassion and professionalism that respects all traditions, arrangements, and personal wishes. In a multiracial country such as Singapore, burials are a blend of religious and cultural customs. This means choosing the right provider is even more critical. Whether the funeral you're organizing is in anticipation of the death or following the death of your loved one, by knowing what to look for in service providers you can be certain to make the right choice. Read on for an overview of what to consider when selecting the best Funeral Services Singapore has to offer, so that you can feel you're making the right decision for you in such a difficult time. Understanding Funeral Services in Singapore In Singapore, funeral services run the gamut from the simplest direct cremation to the most elaborate celebrations of life spanning several days with religious components, professional rituals and personal touches alike. Providers frequently have packages for different religions — Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Free Thinker services are common to see. A funeral is an integrated part of a typical burial, and usually includes deceased collection, embalming or preparation of the body, casket selection, wake arrangements, scheduling of religious rites, obituary preparations, transportation, etc. and the subsequent burial or cremation. Further assistance could be found in grief counselling, repatriation and after-funeral rites. Due to the range and diversity of services, provider selection is a matter of pragmatic and cultural relevance. Assessing Your Needs and Preferences Before you start looking, it's helpful to think through your family's specific needs and wants. Religious denomination, cost, anticipated guest count and preferred location also some of the factors that will contribute to your decision. For instance, the family of deceased who are adhering to Buddhist or Taoist customs may ask for wakes that last for several days accompanied with a certain chanting and offerings. Some might just want a quiet, nonreligious cremation. Knowing your needs ahead of time will simplify the process of finding a provider who matches your values and preferences. Reputation and Experience of the Provider In the funeral services field experience and reputation is everything. Reputable companies that have been in the industry for years will be better equipped to navigate tricky arrangements with grace. Look for businesses praised for their professionalism, their sympathy and their focus on detail. Delivery of service Online reviews, testimonials, and word of mouth referrals can provide a window into the provider's quality of service. In Singapore, some agencies are also supported or advocated by religious groups, community leaders, and temples. Inquire as to how long the provider has been in business and if they specialize in specific types of funerals. A local provider will be better able to handle every part of the ceremony considering cultural customs and religious observances. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance All Singapore funeral directors must adhere to guidelines implemented by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and other respective agencies. Being able to verify that a provider has the proper licensing and is operating safely and legally is important. Ask if the funeral director is licensed and if the business has permits for embalming, transport of bodies and for conducting services at wake facilities. Range of Funeral Packages and Services Offered A reliable provider will indeed offer several options to accommodate personal preferences, religious convictions, and financial capacities. That includes basic packages for direct cremation to full services that range from multi-day wakes to religious services. Carefully read each package included as well— Will the prices you're quoted include a casket, the hearse, set up of the altar, religious items, or will these be separate? Can you change or vary the elements in each package? Transparent offerings help families choose only what they truly need and avoid unnecessary costs. Consider too whether the provider includes post-funeral rites, such as the 49th day prayer in Buddhist ceremonies or memorial masses for Christians. These services are important to many families and must be scheduled in advance. Customization and Personalization Options Each life is unique and funerals should capture the personality and values of the person. A great funeral service provider should have customization features so families can properly celebrate the life of the deceased in a way that means something to them. A photo display, personalized floral bouquets, video tributes or updating with weblink in order that the wake can be viewed live by family members abroad, can all help eliminate that sense of distance. Some offer printed memorabilia, such as bookmarks or prayer cards with the deceased's picture and a favorite quote or prayer. Inquire whether a prospective provider is willing to accommodate special requests, and has experience with distinct cultural or religious practices that may be unrelated to their standard offerings. Transparency in Pricing Price is one of the most significant — and confusing — factors in choosing professional funeral services. Families should be provided with itemized quotes for all packages and services. The better of these providers do not add on hidden fees or markups for necessary services, and are transparent about the cost of your care. When you compare providers, ensure the quotes are for the same thing. Some may seem cheaper, but do not include important items, such as transportation or an honorarium for the monks. Be very meticulous about what that does and does not cover, as well as upcharges. Good providers are going to be able to be open about costs and be able to work within your budget and even a stretching budget offering other options as well as not losing respect and quality. Availability and Response Time Funerals typically have to be planned quickly — that is the nature of what we are dealing with, particularly when a death occurs without warning. Punctuality and accessibility are important qualities of a funeral service provider. Look for a provider who can be available around the clock and can dispatch their people quickly in the case of a death. Ask about their response time and their ability to arrive at the hospital or home to retrieve the body, as well as when they can start the organizing. Hiccups can cause undue pressure at an already trying time. Seek out providers that have dedicated personal consultants or funeral managers who guide you from start to finish. Having one contact person proves helpful in coordinating work and avoiding confusion. Empathy and Professionalism of Staff Funeral directors and their employees are supposed to have the utmost empathy, respect, and professionalism. They're not just doing a job — they're serving as emotional bedrocks for grieving families. From the moment they call, to saying goodbye to a loved one, the provider is required to be patient, culturally aware, and emotionally intelligent. It should be the role of staff to support bereaved families to move through this time without pressure or rush. Facilities and Wake Venues The experience at the wake has a lot to do with the quality of and convenience of venues. There are many funeral service companies in Singapore which operate their own halls in funeral parlours and/or void decks of HDBs. Take a tour, if you can. Think about the cleanliness, airflow, seating and access as well as parking details. For religious wakes, check that there is a place for prayer or altars or offerings. Some venues have built-in speakers, air conditioning, toilets, and various even have catering available. Ask the provider if you can host the wake at home, in the void deck or in a funeral hall, and if they take care of all the required permits and setup. Post-Funeral Services and Support Grief doesn't stop at the funeral, and many families appreciate providers who remain available afterward. This might include assistance in registering death certificate, facility for ashes collection, or management of religious/ancestor worship like 7th day or 100th day services. Some companies even team up with grief counselors and provide resources in order to help families process their feelings in a healthy and positive way. It can make a difference to have a provider who knows the full arc of mourning. Conclusion There is more to finding the right provider for Funeral Services Singapore than simply comparing prices. It's finding the team that is going to honor the cultural connection, hold space for all the emotions, and treat your loved one in the way that you want their body to be treated on their journey out. From a person's reputation and religious knowledge to personalized services and clear pricing, every element impacts the quality of the funeral experience. The extra time to make the right choice leads to a respectful farewell and peace of mind for your family in their time of need. One of the most reputable and well-known funeral service company in Singapore is Ang Brothers Funeral Services. Renowned for his or her compassion, cultural sensitivity, and personal and professional integrity, they have been assisting families during the most difficult periods of their lives with dignity and respect. For more details, or to speak with their caring staff, go to today. Media Contact Company Name: Ang Brothers Funeral Services Contact Person: Ang Brothers Email: Send Email Phone: +65 9871 8388 City: Singapore Country: Singapore Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ang Brothers Funeral Services: Guiding Families to the Right Farewell Choices in Singapore
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Kahnawà:ke
Kahnawà:ke Tourism marked National Indigenous Peoples Day with a special was a chance for residents to get together and share their traditions and for visitors to learn more about the community.
The Guardian
21-06-2025
- The Guardian
Celebrating an everlasting twilight: midsummer, Lithuanian style
Towards dusk a bonfire was lit and, one after another, the friends we were eating and drinking with hurdled the leaping flames, a pagan ritual thought to provide benefits including improved physical and mental strength, prosperity and fertility. Further heat came from a sauna we made using five sacks of logs – too many, we agreed afterwards. When it got too hot, we escaped into the cool shallows of the pond just a few metres away, repeating this cycle several times. As we soak up the long, light days of summer, I'm reminded of this magical time I spent in Lithuania celebrating the summer solstice, or Joninės as it's called there. A suitable translation is Saint John's festival, a public holiday celebrated each year on 23 and 24 June. The name pays homage to John the Baptist and coincides with his feast day, yet the traditions of Joninės are deeply rooted in the pagan celebration of midsummer, predating Christianity. Similar pagan festivals take place in the Baltic nations of Estonia and Latvia, known as Jaanipäev and Jāņi, respectively. It's a time when people travel from the city to gather in the countryside to eat, drink, sing and observe ancient folk traditions relating to fertility, harvest and renewal. I travelled by train from Tallinn to Riga, and on to Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city, to meet my girlfriend, Jūratė. From there, it's a further 50 miles east to just outside Čiobiškis, where we meet Jūratė's extended family – about 80 of them, from newly borns to octogenarians, of which Julė is the elder and true matriarch presiding over the Joninės celebrations. The journey from Čiobiškis to the surrounding countryside requires us to take the small Padaliai-Čiobiškis ferry across the Neris river – travel at its most rustic and serene. This is followed by a short drive through a forest, which brings us to what resembles a bespoke and bijou festival, with family members having travelled from across Lithuania and beyond, all of us laden with copious amounts of food and drink for the two-day celebration. It's beautiful countryside – fairly flat and wooded, full of waterways providing an abundance of blue mixed with the verdant hues of surrounding vegetation, and punctuated with bright, colourful splashes from the many species of wildflower, such as lupin, cornflower, chicory, yarrow and buttercup. We watch the Neris meandering downstream to the right, and two fishermen, Julius and Česiukas, attempting to catch a trout, perch, bream or perhaps salmon for the table. Meanwhile, Jūratė and her friend Eglė collect small posies of wild flowers to weave into flower crowns, symbols of love and fertility, while I rest on the riverbank enjoying this bucolic scene. At the centre of the celebrations, beneath a huge structure created from local timber, tables have been joined together to form one great community banquet, flanked by benches on either side. It's here I taste the intriguing-looking šakotis for the first time – a layered cake resembling a tree, made of butter, eggs, flour, sugar and cream, and cooked on a spit. Its jagged spikes look almost too sharp and angular to eat, but it's delicious. Dishes brought by Jūratė's family include salted herring, chanterelles spread on rye bread, a beef and vegetable stew which is very much to my liking, and a boiled tongue wrapped in smoked pig's ear, which is less so. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Other delicacies include cepelinai, dumplings made from grated potato, filled with pork mince and served with bacon gravy and either sour cream or mushroom sauce. My favourite is balandėliai, cabbage leaves filled again with pork mince and served with potatoes. It's hearty fare for the longest day of the year, washed down with the exquisite cherry liqueur Žagarės. As another bonfire is lit, everyone gathers around the campfire to tell stories and sing traditional folk songs. It is believed that the brighter the flames, the more abundant the harvest will be. Beer, or alus, is in plentiful supply, but the more pagan among us opt for homemade sidras (cider) or the stronger still samanė (moonshine) all of which helps make camping a little more comfortable. A further ritual begins from midnight: the search for papartis, a fern that, legend has it, produces a magic white flower on midsummer eve. Couples wander into the forest to hunt for this mythical bloom, discovering, perhaps, far more besides. I'm told the most common date that babies are born is 25 March, some nine months later on Gandrinės or Stork Day – with the arrival of the country's national bird signifying the beginning of spring as they return from their winter migration. Yet another name for summer solstice is Rasos, or Dew festival, since it is believed that dew collected on the morning of midsummer is especially potent for fertility, while wild herbs gathered on the night of Joninės are believed to possess magical and healing properties, since this is when nature is at its most powerful. While paying our own dues to some of the ancient traditions, we also do things our own way, combining music from the radio station LRT Opus with further consumption of alus and Žagarės. I'm sure every family and group of friends celebrate differently, but all that really matters is being together, in nature, with skylarks visible high above and cuckoos audible in the woods. The magnificence of Joninės was captured by the Lithuanian poet and philosopher Vydūnas, who described it as the 'feast of the bonfire light meeting the all-encompassing sunlight'. As we make our way a few miles south to the hamlet of Mikalaučiškės for a gathering with some of Jūratė's friends – since Joninės is very much about celebrating with friends as well as bloodlines – I think of those words written by Vydūnas a century ago. Today's bonfire is already burning bright amid an everlasting twilight of deep orange, pink and blue, painted above the horizon. Baltic Gently organises various Joninės packages across Lithuania, from €75 to €130
