Ivanjdan

Ivanjdan is a traditional folk holiday celebrated in Serbia and other parts of the Balkans. It falls on July 7th, which corresponds to the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist in the Orthodox Christian calendar. The holiday is rich in folklore and customs, often associated with the summer solstice and the peak of nature's fertility.

One of the most prominent traditions of Ivanjdan is the lighting of bonfires, known as "ivanjski krijesovi." People gather around these fires, jumping over them to ward off evil spirits and to ensure good health and prosperity for the year ahead. These gatherings are often accompanied by singing, dancing, and feasting.

Herbs and flowers are also central to Ivanjdan celebrations. It is believed that on this night, herbs possess special healing properties. People gather specific plants, such as St. John's wort (Ivanjsko cveće, literally "Ivan's flower"), which is dried and used for medicinal purposes or woven into wreaths. These wreaths are sometimes floated down rivers, with the belief that they will bring good luck and reveal one's future spouse.

The holiday also marks a significant point in the agricultural calendar, often seen as the beginning of the haymaking season or the end of the main harvest period in some regions. While its religious roots are in the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, the folk customs surrounding Ivanjdan highlight a deeper connection to ancient pagan beliefs related to the sun, fire, and the abundance of nature. The traditions vary slightly from region to region, but the overall spirit of celebration, purification, and connection to nature remains consistent.