On or about June 24 each year, Catholic Germans celebrate St. John the Baptist’s birthday (Johannistag), an official Catholic feast day.
Midsummer, Summer Solstice, First Day of Summer
As do many religious celebrations, St. John’s birthday celebration coincides with the traditional Midsummer revelry on the first day of summer, or the day of the year with the longest period of daylight.
Bonfires or Johannisfeuer
After sunset on the Feast of St. John, or Midsummer, bonfires dot the hillsides of Germany and most of the rest of Europe. Many fires are lit beside lakes and rivers as well, nodding to the ancient tradition of bathing in natural bodies of water on Midsummer’s Day for curative purposes. People gather around to sing, dance and celebrate. Local municipalities or community organizations or businesses sponsor the festivities, hiring musicians and preparing the site. Trucks may haul in sand to surround the bonfire site then haul it away the next day.
Public Event Resembling May Day
Johannisfeuer events are public and everyone is free to attend. Smaller celebrations do not offer refreshments, so attendees bring beer or food and blankets to sit on. Larger communities may have a beer seller and food vendors, depending on the size of the town and whether the local brewer is the sponsor.
As the fire dies down, people may jump over the dying flames or coals to promote health for themselves for the coming year. Young couples may jump over hand in hand to seal their love. This tradition resembles the May Day, or Witches’ Night, celebrations in other countries.
Currants and St. John’s Wort
In Germany, currants are known as Johannisbeer (St. John’s berries) because they ripen during the week of Midsummer. In addition, the herb St. John’s Wort is so-named because it comes into full bloom during the same time frame.
Bavarian Folklore
In Bavaria and other parts of the European continent it is said that whatever the weather is on Johannistag, that is the weather everyone can expect for the next seven weeks.
Affordable Fun in Germany
Despite some of the origins of the festival, the Johannisfeuer celebration is not taken as a serious pagan or religious holiday in Germany. It is a pleasant acknowledgment of the first day of summer in a land known for harsh winters. Young people especially enjoy the party while the elders enjoy the strains of music over the hills and sight of the many fires from their balconies. It would be well worth the time spent to seek out one of these celebrations if touring Germany during the summer, especially since the cost is low or nonexistent.
Karren Tolliver - Karren Doll Tolliver is from the Midwest USA and received a BA in English from Mississippi University for Women in 1984. Writing since she ...
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