Ancient Lights Night, Muinastulede ÖÖ, takes place tonight, on the 27th of August. People are invited to the seaside and river banks to light or watch bonfires for different purposes. This year, the theme is to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for their freedom.
Once a year, on the Ancient Lights Night, the tradition sees the people gathering at night time to light the bonfires in memorial of the historical beacons by the sea. Back in the day, when beacons did not exist, the iilastuled were lit so the Vikings could orientate on the waters in case they were late to land. The tradition was that iilane, the man who lit iilastuli on the coast, received one hundred Baltic Herring thanks for leading the seamen home safely and helping sustain the life in coastal villages.
Nowadays, the event has also gained the fame of being the end of the summer celebration. The Ancient Lights will be lit in different places along the country's coast, and people are asked to think and send out happy and peaceful thoughts. The event emphasizes people's unity and helps build strong communities.
Anyone can join the Ancient Lights Night at a location shown on the map, which you can find here, http://www.ancientlights.eu/participate. If you want to light your bonfire, visit the same link and register your bonfire site. For more information, visit http://www.ancientlights.eu/en