St John

= ST John's Eve=

Catholic/celtic

In Catholic theology, St John the Baptist is considered as the announciator of the coming of Jesus Christ.

The St John Eve is the celebration of the longer day in a year, it's the mid-summer around the 21st or 23rd of June. This celebration exist in many european countries (France, Spain, Germany...).

In Ireland, St John's eve is one of the four Quarter days that divide officially the year. There's many carnivals, every where in Ireland and mid-summer celebrations.

In few rural spots, bonfires are occasionally lit on hilltops. This tradition of bonfires come from the pagan times, for irish gods linked to the mid-summer, they are  Aine (Godess of Love, growth and cattle) and Mananan Mac Lir (God of the Ocean).

On Tory island, St John's eve is a very important celebration and there's a bonfire every year. Even, when weather is bad, with a lot of wind and rain, people try to make a fire even for a short time. Usually, the fire is lit not far of the lighthouse.

This night is well known for be the biggest celebration for young people. Some preafer to celebrate it in the pub, and usually late in the night,or early in the morning (it's the same) about 3 o'Clock there's a big Ceili till the raise of the sun.

Few days before the St John's eve, a little fire is lit for children in the afternoon.

--Saskia Levy 01:08, 21 October 2008 (UTC)