The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful today celebrate Ivanjdan, the Nativity of Saint John the Forerunner. His name is closely associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and with the events that marked the beginning of the New Testament and the preaching of the Christian faith.
Ivanjdan is the Christian feast commemorating the birth of Saint John the Baptist.
No other saint is commemorated so many times throughout the year. The Church observes his birth, the Beheading of Saint John, the Synaxis of Saint John, and the three Findings of the Head of Saint John, whose name is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and all the events that marked the beginning of the New Testament and the preaching of Christianity.
Among Serbs, Saint John is especially revered as the protector of godparenthood and spiritual brotherhood.
The traditional folk celebration of Ivanjdan dates back to the pre-Christian era and stems from an agricultural cult that honored the sun at the time of the summer solstice, when it was believed to radiate its greatest power, as well as the beginning of the harvest.
Known Among the People as the “Girls’ Holiday”
Ivanjdan is also popularly known as the “girls’ holiday” because of the many customs and rituals dedicated to young women.
Wreaths woven from Ivanjdan flowers, girls’ songs, and decorating homes to bring health and well-being to the household are just some of the traditions associated with the feast.
In some regions, it is customary for women who wish to have children to pass through wreaths woven from St. John’s herb on Ivanjdan.
In certain parts of Serbia, there is also a belief that unmarried girls should plant a small amount of wheat in a flower pot today and examine it on July 12, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Petrovdan). If the sprouts form ring-like shapes, it is believed they will certainly marry in the autumn.
There is also a widespread belief that on this day one can catch a glimpse of their future spouse. According to tradition, the last bite of breakfast should be blown upon and saved until evening. It is then placed under the pillow together with a small mirror and a wood chip so that the image of one’s future husband may appear in a dream.
Gathering Medicinal Herbs and Weaving Wreaths
Among the many colorful customs, gathering medicinal herbs and weaving wreaths from Ivanjdan flowers, accompanied by girls’ singing, holds a special place.
On the eve of the feast, bonfires known as Ivanjdan fires were traditionally lit on hills throughout many Slavic regions, around which people gathered to sing and dance.
According to traditional custom, vineyards are not entered for three days before and three days after the feast.
It is believed that during those seven days the vineyard experiences its greatest growth because it is protected by Saint John. The feast always falls during the Apostles’ Fast dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, so believers observe fasting rules and abstain from meat and dairy products on this day.
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Source: RTS, Foto: Wikimedia Creative Commons