Tormis: Jaanilalud - IV. Miks Jaani oodatakse

These three miniatures come from Jaanilaulud, or St. John’s Day Songs. While theoretically a holiday celebrating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the holiday a few days after the summer solstice was celebrated long before Estonia was Christianised - and gained special significance in 1919, as the date was when the Estonian Forces expelled the German troops. The music celebrating this day, then, has themes of independence and freedom, as well as elements featuring bonfires, drinking, and dancing. “Miks Jaani oodatakse” asks why we look forward to St. John’s birthday, and asks the Saint to come save the oxen and cows.