In Latvian mythology, Jumis is an agriculture and fertility god. He is associated with "double-plants," such as two corn stalks or trees which have grown together and share a trunk or stem. During harvesting, some stalks of the crops are bent to the ground and secured in that location with stones. See also his holiday, Mikeli, for the ritual called the Catching of Jumis.
Another ritual, called Jumja kersana, involves a procession, carrying some grains that symbolize a "captured" Jumis to the home, thereby ensuring the following year's harvest will be at least as successful.
He is depicted as a short man with clothes that resemble ears of wheat, hops and barley.
In ancient Latvia, Mikeli was a festival held on September 22 - September 24, during the dzelzs nedela meaning "the week of iron." The holiday was sacred for both Mikelis and and Jumis.
Jumis, represented by a double-headed stalk of grain, was said to be hiding in the last of the unharvested fields.
These last stalks are tied with special twine and placed in a barn, separate from the rest of the harvest.
Jumis crosses his arms over his abdomen so that his hands are positioned by his hips, his fingers rigid as if to cup something.
Jumis uses this power when he sees someone in dire need of defense or a quick pick-me-up, and the energy he lends his target only lasts for the perceived threat that provoked Jumis to use his power.
Jumis can create an actual shield to defend his target against an attack and while his ally is under it, he can lend the person a burst of energy when s/he is flagging and weak.
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