German Festivities in Summer: Celebrating Traditions and Foreigners Leaving
In Germany, the summer solstice, known as Sommersonnonwed, marks the official start of summer from a meteorological perspective on June 21st. However, it's not just a meteorological event; for many Germans, it's a day of celebration, offering a great opportunity for outdoor adventures and activities long into the evening. This day is historically known as Johannistag, or St. John's Day, a day that beautifully fuses **pagan midsummer customs** with **Christian elements** related to the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.
The roots of St. John's Day can be traced back to pagan rituals, where Germanic tribes believed that on the shortest night of the year, Odin, father of the gods, came down to earth to bless its harvests. One of the most notable traditions is the lighting of **St. John's fires**. In Germany and other parts of Europe, large bonfires were lit on the evening before June 24, a practice rooted in ancient pagan solstice celebrations. These fires were believed to have protective powers, driving away evil spirits, witches, and harmful influences.
Another tradition is the **gathering of healing herbs** (Johanneskraut). Certain herbs, notably St. John's wort, were picked on this night and brought to church for blessing due to their believed special healing properties when gathered during midsummer.
St. John's Day also holds Christian significance, honoring the birth of John the Baptist, placed exactly six months before Christmas, reflecting the biblical timing. Church services and fasting were introduced by the medieval Church, emphasizing the spiritual importance of the feast, though not originally pagan. The gathering and blessing of herbs on St. John's Day is a Christianized continuation of the herbal traditions, linking natural elements with divine blessing.
The bonfires were also interpreted in Christian terms as symbols of John the Baptist, "a burning and shining light" who prepared the way for Christ. The fires served to repel dragons, witches, and demons, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and protection. In some European traditions, including Germany, people performed baptisms or rinsed in holy waters on St. John's Day to cleanse themselves of sin and misfortune, reflecting John the Baptist's role as the baptizer of Jesus.
In recent times, the political landscape in Germany has seen a shift, with Conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leaders blaming foreigners for various domestic issues. This has led to changes in immigration and integration rules, including scrapping the three-year fast-track path to citizenship and family reunification for refugees. Despite this, more than half of the immigrants surveyed plan to settle in Germany indefinitely, with three-quarters of the immigrant population not immediately thinking about leaving the country.
However, a quarter of Germany's immigrant population is considering leaving the country, with most being skilled workers and people with high levels of education or job qualifications. The current federal leadership does not seem to be focused on the retention of foreigners - skilled or otherwise. The far-right surge in the past election could be a factor in the high number of people thinking of leaving Germany.
As St. John's Day approaches, many German cities have events planned for Fête de la Musique, an option for celebrating the longest day with music and dancing late into the evening. Despite the political climate, the historical traditions of St. John's Day continue to bring people together, offering a unique blend of pagan midsummer customs and Christian elements that have stood the test of time.
References: [1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/St-Johns-Day [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Johannes-Natalis [3] https://www.britannica.com/topic/John-the-Baptist [4] https://www.britannica.com/topic/St-Johns-Day-Germany
- Amidst the celebrations of St. John's Day in Germany, discussions about food-and-drink preferences and home-and-garden decorations for the festivities might also be a part of the lifestyle conversation.
- In the midst of the political landscape, general-news outlets in Germany might cover policy changes regarding immigration and integration rules, showcasing the country's stance on politics and its impact on the lifestyle of its citizens.
