St. John the Baptist and Midsummer
June 23 and 24 marks St. John’s Eve and the Nativity of John the Baptist respectively. This is the celebration of the birth of St. John the Baptist the forerunner of Christ. As today is celebrated by French Canadians in a special way called St. Jean-Baptiste Day, today is a day for French culture as St. Patrick is for Irish Culture. An interesting astronomy note is that St.John was born as the days grow shorter in reference to the scripture where St. John says in John 3:30, "He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease." This is similar to when Christ is born and the days get longer because the Light of the World has come. Strawberries are often eaten on this day as it is their harvest season so thus they are picked for the honor of St. John. Strawberries are symbolic of the Trinity, Our Lady and righteousness because their seeds represent the fruitfulness of good works and of Mary’s Maternity and the white flower of the strawberry plant is white of the pure glory of the Trinity. While the widespread belief I cannot find, one source says that legend claims that the Blessed Virgin accompanies those who pick strawberries today. The vigil of this feast and perhaps into this evening is marked by baptisms, bonfires and draping doorways with greenery. If your name is John, Sean, Juan or any variation of John, Happy Name Day! St. John the Baptist, pray for us, especially those who share your name or enjoy your blessed patronage! 🍓
We celebrate Summer and all its loveliness, fresh watermelon, swimming, camping with s’mores, carnivals with cotton candy and admiring the beautiful sea life at the beach with popsicle in hand or flying a kite at a national park or relaxing to red a book. Finally, today marks Halfway until Christmas and Disney is announcing their celebrations with “Halfway to the Holidays” beginning today!
An indulgence can be gained under the usual conditions for those who visit a church named for St. John the Baptist. Kenmore, NY has such a church.
Today's liturgical color is white for the holiness of St. John.
(Many films about Jesus' life depict the Visitation which is when St. John was sanctified in the womb as well as Christ's Baptism by St. John, I simply googled "movies about St. John the Baptist" .
A Mystic Sees the Feast of St. John (last paragraph of 207)
St. John's Eve Around the World
St. John's Day Around the World
Note: Although I place emphasis on French and Canadian celebrations today, other nations celebrate this feast and I will include these cultures at other times throughout the year. For example, Germany for Octoberfest and Spanish Cultures for Hispanic Heritage Month. Although each country has it's national day, I'm making posts for those days attached to feasts celebrated by the Catholic Church or celebrated in the USA.
Vegan Honeycomb for Saint John's Feast
Note: There are many varieties of vegan bread and cheese at your local grocery store for your celebration of the Forerunner of Christ.
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