St. John's Eve - Noc Świętojańska

Agnieszka Pawlus — Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:51 am

Author: Agnieszka Pawlus

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:51 am

Today is St John's Eve (Noc Świętojańska). This is the celebration of the Midsummer, full of customs referring to finding love. We can say this is the Slavic version of Valentine's Day!

Traditionally young men and women (unmaried) were singing ritual songs to each other. Girls wore wreaths made from wild flowers, which were later thrown into a nearby pond or lake. Then boys had to swim out to claim one of the crowns.

Bonfires (and bonfire jumping) were also part of the proceedings. If a couple, holding their hands managed to jump over the fire, this was the divination of the succesful relationship.

In today's Poland some local festivals are organised: some dance groups are performing traditional dances, girls are throwing wreaths into the water. There is also a modern version of St John's Eve: open air concerts, fireworks and boat parades. In Poznań, every year they are beating the Guiness' record in letting go lanterns.

Picture source: http://www.mmwroclaw.pl/

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St. John's Eve - Noc Świętojańska