The Mystical Night of San Giovanni: Ancient Italian Traditions and Their Enduring Magic

ROME – As the summer solstice approaches, Italians prepare to celebrate the ancient and mystical Night of San Giovanni, or St. John's Night, on June 23rd-24th. This night, steeped in folklore, is believed to be a time when the veil between worlds thins, allowing for magical occurrences and revelations. One of the most cherished traditions involves preparing 'St. John's water.' According to ancient wisdom, collecting various herbs and flowers at sunset on June 23rd and leaving them to soak in water overnight, exposed to the dew, imbues the water with protective and beautifying properties. Washing one's face with this water on the morning of June 24th is said to bring health, beauty, and protection for the year ahead. For those seeking glimpses into the future, several rituals are observed. Placing a sage or bay leaf under the pillow before sleep is believed to induce prophetic dreams, often revealing one's future spouse. Another popular method involves dropping egg whites into water and interpreting the shapes they form; tall, defined shapes are said to signify positive periods, while lower, less distinct forms may hint at unforeseen challenges. Protection against misfortune is also a key theme. Tradition holds that collecting sand from beaches on the night of St. John and hanging it in small bags by the door wards off the evil eye and envy. Additionally, purchasing garlic on June 24th is considered a powerful charm for good fortune and a shield against evil, with the garlic then hung in the home. The saying 'San Giovanni makes deceptions visible' underscores the night's power to reveal hidden truths and expose what is masked. Even thunderstorms on this night are seen as the sky releasing its secrets. Beyond individual rituals, the night is also associated with gatherings of 'wise women' in forests and on hills, where they would share ancient knowledge through chants and rites. These gatherings were not for ill intent but to preserve ancestral powers and traditions. The Night of San Giovanni remains a fascinating blend of pagan and Christian beliefs, continuing to captivate and inspire across Italy.