Tonight we're celebrating a "Noite de San Xoán" (Saint John's Night), a tradition that deepens its roots in traditions previous to the arrival of Christianity and that is celebrated in many places throughout Europe and America, though it's specially settled in Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
What is celebrated?
In its pagan origin the summer solstice was celebrated, that is, the longest day of the year at the Northern hemisphere. To commemorate this night bonfires were lit to purify and give strength to the sun, as from here days would start to be shorter, until we reached the second solstice of the year, winter's.
Why is it celebrated today if the summer solstice was on the 21st?
The answer is because, as in many other popular festivities of pagan origin, after the arrival of Christianity, traditions were integrated to the Christian calendar and the custom of lighting bonfires was connected to the birth of Saint John, who according to the Bible was born on June 24th, the nearest date to the summer solstice of the Northern hemisphere.
Have a great time and enjoy!
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