The celebration of St. John's Day in the night of 23-24 June has its roots in various traditions that have been interwoven throughout the ages.
And here we are going to tell you which elements make it the most special and magical night of the year.
Stay to the end to see what rituals to attract good luck are held.
Pagan origin?
The celebration of St. John's Day has its roots in ancient pagan festivals related to the summer solstice, The sun was at its brightest and marked the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere.
As from this time onwards the sun was losing strength until the winter solstice, with the longest night of the year, many cultures, from the Celts to the Romans, performed rituals and ceremonies to honour the sun and give it strength, and thus, celebrate fertility, abundance, renewal and avoid remaining in the shadows forever.
Christian influence
Then came the influence of Christianity, The Catholic Church adapted and merged these pagan festivities with the celebration of the birth of St. John the Baptist, The date of which is set at 24 June.
St. John the Baptist was recognised as the forerunner of Jesus, and his birth is considered an important event in the liturgical calendar.
Fire, the great protagonist?
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the celebration of San Juan is the fire. Bonfires are lit on beaches, The fire is a traditional part of the festival, and people jump over them as part of the tradition. The fire is symbolically associated with purification and renewal. The beginning of something new.
Ancient rituals and superstitions?
In addition to the use of fire, there are numerous rituals and superstitions associated with the night of San Juan.
Do you want to know what they are?
Continue reading...
Bonfires
Lighting bonfires is one of the most widespread traditions on the night of San Juan. People gather around the fire to enjoy its warmth and luminosity. Bonfires are skipped as an act of purification and it is believed to provide protection against evil spirits and diseases. It is also attributed to the Good luck.
Purification baths
Many people take advantage of the night of Midsummer's Eve to bathing in the sea, rivers or springs at dawn on 24 June. It is believed that water acquires special properties during this night and that bathing in it cleanses the body and soul. It is also associated with the elimination of negative energies.
Jumping the waves
Another tradition is that of jump seven waves just as midnight strikes, although the number may vary from region to region. This is said to be the perfect time to make a wish and have it come true.
Bathing with your back to the water
Whoever enters the sea with his back turned shall be considered to be in the same position. protected all year round.
Medicinal herbs
During the night of Midsummer's Eve, the collection of medicinal herbs, which are believed to be acquired healing and magical properties on this special occasion. Among them is the renowned St. John's wort, valued for its incredible properties, used in preparations and rituals to attract the healing power of St. John's wort. health and protection against harmful influences.
Writing wishes on paper
A common practice is to to put wishes or intentions on paper and throw them on bonfires, believing that the fire acts as a channel to send them out into the universe and make them come true. In addition, some people burn objects or symbols that represent what they wish to leave behind in their lives, thereby symbolising a liberation and transformation.
All these rituals are still used today, each culture has adapted these forms to their desires, worries and fears. They are a great form of liberation and personal knowledge as well as of union, hope and strength, as it makes you reflect on your past, leaving things behind and putting all the positive energy into the future.
[EXTRA] Legends for the ?
Love is what it's all about
It is said that the sun was in love with the earth and that every year, on the 21st of June, it denied the possibility of leaving it. As a ritual and to commemorate this moment, people lit bonfires and celebrated love and prosperity.
[EXTRA] Legends for Spain ?
The seven devil's horses
In Cantabria, There are also tales of evil spirits. According to legend, during the night of San Juan, seven horses accompanied by Lucifer and six other demons ride through the skies, leaving a dark cloud of sulphur and terrifying screams in their wake. However, bonfires are lit to ward off evil omens and purify the atmosphere.
Demons and meigas
One of the towns most deeply rooted in superstition and the cradle of numerous myths and legends related to this festival is Galicia. In the north-west region of Spain, it is believed that during the night of San Juan a portal to the underworld, allowing the passage of the «meigas e demos» to the world of the living. In some villages, the elders continue to perform various rituals to protect themselves from these fearsome creatures. Galician families prepare the «chunk», a mixture of wild herbs used to wash the face and ward off evil spirits.
The wizard of wishes
In the charming Valencian town of Teulada a fascinating legend unfolds on the magic night. According to the locals, on the night of 23 June, the fairy «La Joanaina».» lives in Font de la Jana, located a few kilometres from the city. If someone has the good fortune to meet this mythological creature, it is said that he or she can grant you three wishes, The condition was that he would carry her on his back to Teulada without turning his head to look at her.
What do you think? Did you know about these healing legends and rituals?
Tell us which ones you know.