JUMIS

[Latvian] A Latvian field and fertility god. Sometimes compared with the Roman Janus. He may have originated from a fetish. His attribute is any double-fruit, for instance two corn stalks that have grown together on the same trunk. In order to preserve Jumis' growth in the winter months, during the harvesting a few ears are bent to the ground and secured there with stones. A characteristic ritual - Jumja kersana (?chase of Jumis?), when, e.g. some ears are brought home in a ritual procession as the 'caught' Jumis to ensure the fertility of the next year to be at least of the same level. This tradition is very similar to those known among different Germanic tribes. There are etymologies connecting Jumis to Yama and double-faced Janus.