On June 24, during the summer solstice, Slovaks celebrate St. John's Day. This is a very ancient pagan festival dedicated to the sun and its victory over the darkness. With the Day of St. John (in our opinion - Ivan Kupala) many traditions and customs are associated.
In the evening, guys and girls make a cross from boards, on which a circle is placed that symbolizes the sun . As a rule, this wheel . "The Sun" is set on fire , and you get a big bonfire through which you absolutely need to jump over. . Slovaks believe that such jumping competitions help a person cleanse and get good health . Girls are wondering this evening with wreaths woven from wild flowers and grasses . Variants - mass . To find out from which side Ones will come the groom, wreaths are let on the water or thrown through the fire . You can also try to throw a wreath on the apple tree . It turned out the first time - you will get married this year, from the second - in two years and so on .
During the holiday it is necessary to collect herbs - this night they are filled with special strength and will help to cure diseases. But to borrow or to give anything away is not worth it.