The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BONFIRE NIGHT IN IRELAND--EVE OF JUNE 24

BONFIRE NIGHT IS THE EVE OF THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN. ON THIS NIGHT
IN THE WESTERN COUNTIES OF IRELAND FIRES ARE LIT AT THE CROSSROADS.
SOME PEOPLE THINK THIS WAS DONE ORIGINALLY TO BANISH EVIL SPIRITS
WHILE OTHERS SAY IT WAS TO WELCOME SUMMER. AT THE VARIOUS
CROSSROADS THE VILLAGERS GATHER WHERE THEY DANCE AND TELL STORIES
UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FIRES

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