The Ritual of San Juan in Spain
Everyone has small rituals even though they sometimes don’t realise it, but traditional seasonal and nature rituals have faded into the background in many parts of the modern western world. Perhaps some people associate rituals with a pagan lifestyle however rituals can be meaningful, transformative and fun to do with other people and your children. The summer solstice or midsummer’s night is a wonderful time to try out a ritual.
The solstices are connected with the seasons and in some languages they are to separate seasons or start seasons, whereas in others they are a centre point. In English the period of the summer solstice is known as midsummer, however Midsummer’s Day is 24th June, which is three days after the solstice itself. Christians therefore celebrate the feast of St. John from 23rd to 24th June, whereas neo-pagans observe midsummer.
In Spain the traditional midsummer ritual and celebrations are held in the honour of San Juan (St. John the Baptist). These are absolutely magnificent affairs as they take place on the beaches, and also inland, and with the weather in Spain and the rituals involved it makes for a wonderful night. Bonfires are lit on the beaches and firework displays are organised.
When it is relatively safe to jump over the bonfire people do this which should be done a minimum of three times, but any odd number over this is also good, and this ritual is to ward witches and bring good luck, and the people shout out “meigas fora” which means “witches away or out”. There is also a drink called Queimada which is made from Galician grappa mixed up with coffee beans, pieces of fruit and sugar, and while this is being prepared the people are chanting