Date post: | 01-Jul-2015 |
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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