June 23 is a holiday with long pagan roots, which is still celebrated by the peoples of Europe. It is called differently in different countries. In Norway, the holiday is named after John the Baptist — Jonsok. Another holiday name — Jonsvaka (Jonsvoko) — is derived from the name Johan and the verb wake — «wake».
This is no coincidence: it was believed that on Midsummer Night (the night before the Nativity of John the Baptist) you cannot sleep until dawn —, not only because you can hear the singing of elves, but primarily for the purpose of a talisman for the entire coming year.
Celebrations in honor of the holiday began in the evening and continued throughout the night, ending with the meeting of the dawn of the — rising sun. Until 1770, Midsummer Day was an official holiday. Its abolition, however, did not become a reason for the people to cool down towards it; —, on the contrary, Midsummer Night remained a favorite folk holiday. Compared to Christmas and Easter, this holiday has much less to do with church celebrations. Most of the ancient pagan customs are associated with Ivan's Night.
Perhaps the main tradition dedicated to Ivan's Night is — lighting fires. Since ancient times, people believed that fire could protect against evil forces. Fire — is the strongest and most effective cleansing element: everything dirty and obsolete in it can burn, but the fire itself always remains clean. Bonfires were lit on Midsummer's Night in several ways.
The fire itself was intended to help the sun overcome the top of the sky; it symbolized the victory of light over darkness. By lighting a fire and maintaining it until the morning, people seemed to welcome the new sun. The peasants tried to make a fire as much as possible, this was considered a matter of honor. On this occasion, competitions were often held — for those with higher and brighter flames. As a rule, several courtyards or farms gathered at a common fire pit, where old and young took part in preparing a large fire.
In many countries, the custom of jumping over a fire is still common; such games were perceived as a necessary rite of purification. It is customary to place a high pole above the fire, decorated with wreaths and leaves or topped with a wheel. Burning a pole, which marks the departure of everything old and outdated. This is one of the most solemn moments of the holiday.
Of course, Ivan's Night — is the most fun folk holiday. This is the moment of the highest joy and fun, when a person feels one with nature, with the world around him. And if everything is blooming around, then how can you not sing and have fun? Screams, gunshots and loud songs mark the beginning of the holiday. Noisy celebrations do not subside until dawn. The main treat is the sweet milk porridge rommegrot. On Midsummer Night there are also libations, which in ancient times also had a sacred meaning, performed for the glory of the gods.
Of course, these days many of these customs are either forgotten or performed purely formally. However, the holiday is alive and still embodies the triumph of summer, fertility, and the flourishing of vitality.