Midsummer night: a unique celebration of St. John’s Eve rooted in Slavic tradition

Poland celebrates St. John’s Eve on June 24, a night rich in Slavic traditions distinct from the summer solstice.

Traditional elements of St. John’s Eve, or Kupala Night, in Slavic countries include lighting bonfires, singing, dancing, and making wreaths from plants, which are then set afloat on the water.

Photo: PAP/Marcin Bielecki

While the summer solstice on June 21 marks the shortest night of the year, the true celebration of Noc Świętojańska (St. John’s Eve) takes place a few days later on June 24.

Rooted in ancient Slavic customs, this night honors the birth of St. John the Baptist and is marked by bonfires, folk rituals, and symbolic flower wreaths floated on rivers.

Unlike the solstice festivities, which are more widely celebrated across Europe, Poland's Noc Świętojańska holds a special cultural significance tied to both pagan and Christian heritage.

Despite frequent confusion between the two events, the summer solstice and St. John’s Eve are separate celebrations, with the latter offering a unique glimpse into Poland’s rich and enduring traditions.

Najkrótsza noc w roku – noc przesilenia letniego, noc Kupały i sobótek – za nami. Była 21 czerwca 2025. Przed nami noc świętojańska – czyli ta poprzedzająca dzień, od którego wzięła swoją nazwę: uroczystość narodzin św. Jana Chrzciciela, 24 czerwca. https://t.co/yN7uMPhiFL pic.twitter.com/3u4ArTmLk8

— Historia - Polskie Radio (@Historia_PR) June 24, 2025

The legend of the fern flower

Kupala Night, celebrated during the summer solstice, is one of the oldest and most evocative Slavic festivals, honouring fire, water, love, and fertility.

Central to its myths is the elusive fern flower - also called Perun’s flower  believed to bloom only once a year and said to grant luck, wealth, knowledge, and love. 

Though the quest for this mythical bloom was considered a courageous challenge, it often became an occasion for romantic encounters and declarations of love.

(mp)

Source: Radio Poland/PR24/X/@Historia_PR/YouTube/@BUIFILM