The religious scholar listed the traditions associated with the solstice in different countries.

The summer solstice in different cultures of the world is accompanied by similar traditions related to fire, water and purification rituals, as well as ideas about fertility and human destiny. Natalia Fominykh, a religious scholar, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, told Izvestia about this.

According to the expert, for many peoples who historically depended on nature, the sun and the summer solstice had a special meaning, and the rituals associated with them were formed around the symbolism of the natural elements. She noted that traditions in different countries are similar in many ways and include the use of fire as a means of purification and renewal.

So, in Spain, bonfires are traditionally lit on this day, with the help of which symbolic rituals of purification and making wishes are performed. The practice of symbolic "burning of the old" is also common — from household items to specially created artistic figures that embody what a person wants to part with. According to her, similar rituals exist in Denmark, where bonfires are also lit and effigies symbolizing evil forces are burned.

The religious scholar pointed out that in Scotland and a number of European traditions, a rite with a burning wheel symbolizing the sun is common. In some cultures, it is associated with fortune—telling for the harvest, in others - with the idea of combining the elements and opposites. In Scotland, a wheel of fire was launched from a hill and its movement was used to judge the future harvest.

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A separate place in the traditions is occupied by Celtic ideas about the fern, which, according to beliefs, blooms on the night of the solstice.

"It was considered very dangerous to go into the forest, because the blooming fern is guarded by evil forces," said Fominykh, adding that the seeds of the plant were used as a protective symbol and placed at the entrance to the dwelling.

The expert also noted that numerous folk signs based on observations of nature are associated with the holiday. In particular, the weather, the amount of dew and the state of the starry sky were assessed, linking these signs with the future harvest. According to her, water rituals were also important. It was believed that bathing and contact with water on this day bring health, luck and well-being.

She added that in the folk tradition there were wedding signs associated with water and a holiday. So, it was believed that accidental pouring of water between young people could portend an early wedding, and dancing around campfires on the night of the solstice — a happy family life and a speedy marriage for girls.

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