ST. JOHN´S EVE

EVENING OF 23rd JUNE EARLY MORNING OF 24th JUNE

St. John’s Eve

MAGIC NIGHT

One of the most special nights of the year, the longest day of the year

St. John’s Eve

PAGAN ORIGIN

People paid homage to the sun, source of light and heat, on the day when it is strongest, asking for it to continue shining on them. Therefore, body and soul had to be purified by fire and water to receive the first rays of sun the following day.

St. John’s Eve

RELIGIOUS ORIGIN

This pagan celebration was joined to the celebration in honour of San Juan (St. John the Baptist). On 24th June Catholics celebrate the birth of St. John, who prepared mankind for the coming of Jesus. His birth took place on a date near the summer solstice and his father announced it to his relatives lighting bonfires and jumping over them .

S. John’s Eve

RITUALS RELATE MAINLY TO THREE ELEMENTS

FIREWATER

EARTH

St. John’s Eve

FIRE

Noche de San Juan

BONFIRES At 12 o’clock midnight, bonfires are lit in streets, squares and on beaches

Noche de San Juan

Different objects and paper are burnt in the bonfires

They represent experiences and events we want to forget.

Later, letters with new wishes are thrown into the bonfire.

Some students burn their old books.

St. John’s Eve

People jump over the fire an odd number of times to have a good year.

St. John’s EVe

They dance around the bonfire, holding hands to keep their friendship.

St. John’s Eve

The night ends with fireworks

Noche de San Juan

ALICANTE (Eastern Spain)

The Bonfires in this city are artistic constructions made of wood, cardboard and cork. They have a satirical meaning, criticising people and situations. Each bonfire represents a street or neighbourhood of the city.

St. John’s Eve

The bonfires are lit in the evening of the 24th.

St. John’s Eve

SAN PEDRO MANRIQUE (central Spain)

St. John’s Eve

WATER

St. John’s Eve

SEABATHINGIt symbolises fertility and purity.

It is believed that after midnight water is miraculous; it can cure ilnesses and bring happiness. Bathing in the sea after midnight, will guarantee. good health throughout the year.

St. John’s Eve

EARTH

St. John’s Eve

It is also a tradition to go out to the fields to gather medicinal herbs which are later placed to dry in the sun in order to preserve them the whole year.

St. John’s wort

St. John’s Eve

OTHER RITUALS

St. John’s Eve

MONEY LUCK Before going to sleep, place three potates under your bed.

A peeled one. An unpeeled one. A half-peeled one

The following morning reach under the bed and..

If you get the unpeeled potato, you will have financial difficulties all the year.

If you get the half-peeled one, your year will be irregular.

If you get the peeled one, you ‘ll be able to solve any economic problems you may have

St. John’s Eve

WISHES Ask for a wish, then place some

mistletoe under your pillow before going to sleep and your wish will come true.

St. John’s Eve

BEAUTY Washing your face and hair with

water where plants and flowers gathered on St. John’s Eve have been placed, will give you good health and beauty the rest of the year

LOVE If you want to find love…

Lit two red candles in your bedroom.

And write your name and the name of the person you want to attract on a piece of paper

St. John’s Eve

ANYTHING IS

POSSIBLE ON

ST. JOHN’S EVE!

TEŞEKKÜR EDERIMGRAZIE MILLE

TÄNAMADZIĘKI

GRACIAS