The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GERMAN CELEBRATION ON THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR.

IN JUNE IN GERMANY, ON THE FEAST OF SAINT JOHN, WHICH IS THE LONGEST
DAY OF THE YEAR, THE PEOPLE GO UP ON SMALL MOUNTAINS AND BUILD A
FIRE. THEY SING, EAT, AND DANCE AROUND THE FIRE. WHEN THE FIRE IS
BURNED DOWN, THEY JUMP OVER IT. IT IS NOW USUALLY DONE BY YOUNG
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KEEP UP THE OLD TRADITIONS.

Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT IN GERMANY WHERE SHE WAS BORN AND SPENT MUCH OF
HER LIFE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS