Ok so the Lenny Kravitz concert is over so I thought I would talk about Wianki (wiki).
Wianki means "Wreath" and is a pagan festival to celebrate the summer solstice (the longest day of the year).
"Dating back to Pagan times, Wianki (meaning 'wreaths') celebrates all the usual midsummer themes of life, renewal and, er, virginity. Unsurprisingly, it was rebranded "Noc Świętojańska" (St. John's Night) by the early Church, which, no doubt, toned down some of the more earthy practices such as young lovers consummating their love in nearby woods. However, some elements have remained, such as jumping over the huge ceremonial bonfires (sobotka) which are lit along the riverbank and, of course, young women casting their wreaths upon the river.
Traditionally, Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers and throw them into the river. According to folklore, if the wreath comes back to shore, the girl will never marry, if it sinks, she will die young and if it flows down the river, she will be married. Oh, if only modern dating was so easy! Fortunately for all, the Wistula is a fast-flowing river and, traditionally, most girls went away happy.
Back in the 16th Century, Jan Kochanowski wrote the following description of Wianki traditions and beliefs:
In Poland the Eve of St. John's is fraught with miracles and magic. Animals talk to each other with human voices. The earth shows the enchanted riches … plants take on magical properties ... Wreaths to which are fixed lighted candles are cast in the waters … From the course and fate of the wreaths auguries of marriage are made. The special promise of St. John is youth, love and general fertility."
From John Marshall here
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