Meteņi – Time for Courage, Long Rides, and Great Harvests

Meteņi is the culmination of our ancestors' anticipation of spring. It’s not just a holiday—it’s an energetic farewell to winter’s drowsiness. As the days grow longer and the urge for movement stirs in the heart, Metenis arrives.

Sledding and Boasting One of the most vivid Meteņi traditions is sledding down hills. And this wasn't just for children! Everyone—young and old—joined in. Why? Because they believed that the further you slid, the longer the flax (a symbol of wealth and hard work) would grow. This is also a day when you are allowed to boast! Boasting on Meteņi wasn't seen as a sin, but as a way to attract luck and success.

Folk Beliefs for Nature Observers:

• Long Journeys: If you travel far to visit someone on Meteņi, the summer harvest will be plentiful and future travels successful.

• The Wind: Whichever direction the wind blows from on Meteņi, it will continue to blow from that side all spring.

• Snow and Melting: If water drips from the eaves on Meteņi, spring will be long. If it snows, there will be plenty of mushrooms in the summer.

Meteņi teaches us that for something new to begin, the old must be finished with joy and noise. It’s the perfect time to open your gift box, share some "Sweet Amber" treasures, and embrace the spring breeze.