Even though Stonehenge was visited the other day, traditionally, today 23rd June, has been celebrated as Midsummer Eve. It was a night for lighting bonfires, an idea not just for protection against witches and noxious dragons, which were inclined to go on the prowl on this night, but also to ensure the well-being of the sun as it reached its highest points and started its descent.
One ploy to thwart evil ones was to also throw rotting bones on the fire, in order to create such unpleasant fumes that no self-respecting witch – or dragon – could bear.
The “bone-fires” might have died out but those with a slightly adapted name still live on!
One ploy to thwart evil ones was to also throw rotting bones on the fire, in order to create such unpleasant fumes that no self-respecting witch – or dragon – could bear.
The “bone-fires” might have died out but those with a slightly adapted name still live on!