varasemastest
Varasemastest, also known as the "Vara Semas" or "Vara Semas Test," is a traditional Estonian folk ritual and divination practice associated with the summer solstice, known locally as *Jaanipäev* (John’s Day). The ritual is primarily performed on the evening of June 23rd or June 24th, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The name *varasemastest* translates roughly to "stealing the mast," referencing an old Estonian belief that the
Participants would visit a neighbor’s home, often at night, and ask to borrow a mast or a
The ritual was deeply tied to Estonian pagan traditions and later incorporated into Christianized folk customs.
Today, varasemastest is primarily remembered as part of Estonia’s cultural heritage, often revived during folk festivals