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Mutation of Saint John´s tradition

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Posted on 2024-06-14 in

Celebration of Saint John in Zizurkil. Author: Emilio X. Dueñas.

Saint John´s night and solstice feast have been associated with an infinite number of protection rituals for centuries: the beneficent use of water collected on this date, the free aerial circulation of harmful underground and aerial beings, the purifying use of fire, and the importance of the king star at this particular feast. The sun has led to the collective belief of St John´s being the longest day of the year (scientifically refuted), and also its singular and expected dance at dawn (optical effect known as “sun dog or parhelion”), and the bonfires that hoot the night light with their flames that make shadows of those around them dance. Therefore, it is no wonder that people and communities were captivated by the visual spectacle of the moment, trying to emulate it in their family or collective festive activities.

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Ritual dancing at St John’s festival

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Posted on 2020-06-19 in
Parhelion. Josu Larrinaga Zugadi

Parhelion. Josu Larrinaga Zugadi.

The eve and the feast day of St John (24 June) are well known to encompass a large amalgam of symbolic rituals associated to earth (people, animals, harvests and protective vegetables), water (beliefs about cleansing, regeneration and healing), air (magic moment for purging from nocturnal and malignant beings) or fire (purifying or renewing element). As regards the latter, we are familiar with the custom of climbing certain highlands in the early hours of St John’s Day to observe the dance performed by the king star or dancing sun (optical effect of the scientifically so-called sun dog, parhelion or fake sun). (more…)

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