The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-06-24
THIS rs ST. JOHNS DAY,
How II VIII be Celebrated In Richmond-An-
cient Customs.

cient Customs.
ST. Johns day will be celebrated to-day in
The usual manner by all the Masonic organ
izations in this city. The observance of st.
Johns day. or rather ST. Johns eve. was
ono of the most joyous festivals of Christeu-
dom during the middle ages IL was cele-
brated on midsummer eve aud was observed
with similar rites IN every country Of Europe
Fires were kinded chiefly III the streets and
market places of the towns. Sometimes they
were blessed by the parish priest and prayer
and praise offered until they had burned out.
but as a rule they were similar in their char
acter and conducted by the lalty themselves
The young people leaped over the flames
ana threw flowers and garlands into them
with merry shoutlngs, songs and dances were
also frequent accompaniment. At a COM
paratiyely lates period the very highest per-
sonages took part in these festivities
In England the people on the eve of ST.
Johns were accustomed 10 go into the woods
and break down branches of trees which
they brought TO their homes and planted
over their doors amid great demonstrations
OF Joy TO make good the prophecy
respecting the Baptist, that many
should Ieloiee in his birth. Some of the
superstltlOus notions connected with st.
Johns eve are OF highly fanciful nature.
The Irish believe that the souls Of all people
on this night leave their bodies and wander
70 the place by land or sea where death shall
hnally separate them from the tenement Of
clay This notion was originally universal
and was the cause of the widespread custom
OF watching or sitting mp awake on st
Johns night for 1t seemed TO be the general
wish 10 prevent the soul from going upon
that somewhat dismal rambe.
Las England and in other countries also il
was believed that if any one sat up fasting all
night In the church porch he would sea n a
mr. WI TO liz ~, ~. L
during the ensuing twelve months come and
knock at the church door in the order and
succession in which they were to die.
The kindling of the fire. the leaping over or
through the flames and the flower garlsnds
clearly show that these rites are essentially Of
heather origin and of a sacrfcal character
They were connected with the worship of the
sun and were doubtless pract =. long before
the Baptist was born. In old heather
times. midsummer and yule. the
summer and winter solstices. were
the two greatest and most widespread
festivals in Europe. The church could NOT
abolish these. 1t could only change their
name and try to find something in the history
pf Christianity that would justify the altera
ton.
The celebration by the Masonic oreanizs-
tlons IN thus city will be held this evening at
$50 o'clock IN the Grand Lodge room In the
Masonic Temple. Prayer will be offered NV
hev. George Cooper. pastor of the First Ban
list church. In the absence Of Right Wo r.
shiptul Master William RYAN the cstberine
wlll DO presided over by Worshipfui Master
peH. 1. trump. Addresses will be made bv
GIano master William III. Peasants. Past
5rand Master d. Rand Wellford' Dr. and
1ev. X. i Williams. The services of first
class band have been secured for the oeeas,on
snu supper Will DO served by Caterer William
Inc committee who are in charge of the
Crump OF Lodge No. 3. MARY Guast ~ No "a
sno Charles w. Dunstan OF No. 10.