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Night of San Giovanni in Versilia We celebrate the night of San Giovanni on 23 June, with the collection of medicinal plants and wild herbs accompanied by the story of the legend and the properties of each carefully selected flower, continuing with the preparation of the magical water of San Giovanni and ending with a delicious dinner with local 0 km products together with edible flowers and propitiatory dances in the light of the bonfire.
The traditions of St. John's Night The eve of the feast of Saint John the Baptist is one of the shortest nights of the year, because we are in the summer solstice and since ancient times it has been considered a magical night in popular tradition, both in honor of the saint from whose hands the saving water on people's heads, but even before that, in pre-Christian times, when pagan rites were celebrated in honor of the 4 elements: fire, water, earth and air which, precisely during the Summer Solstice, reach their maximum their expression and power; moment in which the veil that separates men and spirits becomes thinner and dreams and reason intersect, as Shakespeare also celebrates in his “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” “…a night where anything can happen…”. as Oscar Wilde quotes in Salome; a night in which we will witness the victory of nature, of the sun, of light against darkness!
According to a peasant tradition, Litha, this evening men will go up the mountains to light bonfires to thank the sun for the fruits that it will ripen with its heat and to safeguard the crops from adverse weather conditions. Litha, also known as Midsummer or Summer Solstice, is one of the eight major holidays of the Wheel of the Year in Pagan and Wiccan traditions. This day marks the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year. It is the triumph of light, a hymn to the vital force of the sun that nourishes and regenerates the Earth. During Litha, we celebrate the power of the sun, a symbol of energy, vitality and prosperity. Sunlight, which illuminates and warms, reminds us to look inside ourselves and find our inner light. It is a time to embrace the fullness of life, to reap the fruits of work and to prepare for the future, aware that after this peak of light, the darkness slowly begins to return. Litha is an invitation to live in harmony with nature, to recognize the eternal cycle of growth and decline, of light and shadow. Litha celebrations often include bonfires, a symbol of the sun and purification, dances, songs and rituals dedicated to nature spirits. It is a time to give thanks for the earth's gifts, to ask for abundance, and to strengthen connections with the natural elements.
The water of San Giovanni and its properties
According to a popular legend, on the night of San Giovanni the women, considered witches, gathered around a walnut tree to prepare the water of San Giovanni and the famous nocino. Walnut has always been a symbol of magic and mystery. This majestic tree not only provides nuts for the preparation of liqueur, but its branches are also used to create magic wands, which are then activated with jasmine smoke, another element full of mystical and protective meanings.
Uses of San Giovanni Water The most widespread tradition is that the flowers, collected at sunset after having been warmed by the sun on the longest day of the year, are placed in wash basins filled with water and exposed throughout the night to the light of the moon and the "dew of the Of the". The following morning when the first ray of sun touches the earth, the water of San Giovanni is ready. The water is used to cleanse and refresh the skin in a ritual which, according to tradition, increases beauty and charm and is a good omen for love, luck and health, frees from negativity, protects from evil influences and brings luck and prosperity. Washing with this water is a true purification ritual. It is a moment of rebirth, in which you feel renewed and ready to face the future with hope and positivity.
Officinal plants and wild herbs to make San Giovanni water But which flowers to use for the preparation of this water? There is a saying that goes: "in San Giovanni all herbs are holy"; therefore, certain not to make mistakes, we have chosen 13 flowers and aromatic herbs from the infinite wealth of varieties that "Il Giardino di Manipura" offers us. We put the most classic ones such as St. John's Wort, Lavender, Rose and other herbs, adding some, less characteristic, but equally magical, composing a colorful and fragrant bouquet composed of: Mallow, symbol of maternal love and cure for all ills; Helichrysum or Camuciolo, which already in its name brings gold and the heat of the sun. Lavender, purifying, very fragrant and rich in properties, is a must in the magic water. Wild fennel, typical of our Mediterranean scrub, fragrant, used against the evil eye and an ally for various female ailments. St. John's wort, par excellence "the flower of St. John", with its flowers like small shining suns and rich in precious oils that keep "trouble and melancholy" away. Hyssop, biblical plant with magical virtues. Rosemary, a sea rose, rich in essential oils which was burned as incense and used in alchemical preparations in the "elixir of eternal youth" (Queen of Hungary). Sage, considered sacred in several ancient cultures and used for purifications and shamanic divination rituals (White Sage). Marjoram, which protects from evil spirits. The Mint which bears the name of a nymph from Greek mythology. Verbena weakens and wards off vampires and ancient beliefs recognize it in the herb used to treat the wounds of Christ taken down from the cross. Marigold, associated with the sun and the Greek calends. Finally the rose, not just any rose but an ancient rose extremely fragrant and rich in vitamin C, the rose symbol of unconditional love and feminine beauty. The collection ends in the shade of the mulberry grove where each of us prepares our own water to then expose to the moonlight according to the ritual as per tradition.
Not only that! Edible flowers and medicinal plants become the protagonists of our dishes, transforming into a vegetarian banquet that nourishes body and soul. Sitting among the olive trees, on tables and bales of hay, we let our gaze get lost in the serenity of the lake. Every bite is an act of communion with nature, an experience that awakens the senses and invites meditation. The delicate and pure flavors of flowers and medicinal plants transport you to a state of harmony and awareness. And to crown this moment of profound connection with the earth, the tasting of our legendary nocino, which with its intense aroma completes this splendid ritual.
The Fire Ritual, around a bonfire that burns with ardor, brings together in a sacred circle. The elements of water and fire, light and darkness, together with the thoughts of each of us, are gently cradled by the harmonizing sound of shamanic and oceanic drums. In this living space, energies transform and harmonize with nature, creating an environment of profound serenity and rediscovering balance and hope for the future path. A special moment, of opening towards the new season and new projects, an invitation to let what is to happen manifest itself with joy and peace.
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