PolishOrigins Forum

 FAQFAQ    SearchSearch    MemberlistMemberlist    ProfileProfile    Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages    Log inLog in    RegisterRegister 
Author
Message
Agnieszka Pawlus
PolishOrigins Team


Joined: 10 Mar 2013
Replies: 748
Location: Poland

Back to top
Post Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:51 am      Post subject: St. John's Eve - Noc Świętojańska
Reply with quote

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/



wianki.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  101.84 KB
 Viewed:  2569 Time(s)

wianki.jpg


View user's profile
Send private message
Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PolishOrigins Forum Index -> Other topics related to Poland and Polish roots All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Powered by phpBB ©

© 2009-2024 COPYRIGHTS BY THE OWNER OF POLISHORIGINS.COM