F25

Vincenzo Vela c. 1861-1862

Lithuanian summer

Baltic mythology: Kaupolė and Rasa

Kaupolė - goddess of wild flowers, verdure efflorescence and the growing strength of vegetation. Her name is connected to the phrase su kaupu which means ‘abundantly’ and refers to the abundant growth of the verdure.

During Rasos (Lithuanian summer solstice) people pick herbs called Kaupolės žolynai (herbs of Kaupolė) of which flower crowns are made. These herbs bring health, luck and protect from maladies. In various myths Kaupolės žolynai are portrayed magical. According to one, there was a three-branched plant. Its branches bloomed like sun, moon and stars respectively.

Kaupolė’s daughter Rasa (dew) or Rasytė - goddess of dew, the deity of summer flowers. Her duty is to water the thirsty plants so she is her mother’s helper. Together they walk around the meadows and look after the greenery. Rasa is portrayed making flower crowns and giving them to young girls.

Kaupolė also has a husband Kaupolis who rides on a horse and kidnaps young girls. He looks after the verdure as well but his role is not as important as Kaupolė’s or their daughter’s.

Lithuanians believe that Rasos’ morning dew has healing powers and brings beauty. That is why people roll around dewy meadows and rye fields on Rasos’ morning. It is also believed that the heavier the dew on a rye field the better the harvest.