Saint John the Baptist procession

Visitors who would like to experience the Middle Ages are warmly invited to take part in the Saint John the Baptist procession in Gravendam. Join the procession as enthusiastic medieval representatives of the City of Gravendam and its Guilds.

On 24 and 25 June, with the arrival of John the Baptist, the Forerunner, things begin to change. This is also reflected in nature. The sun reaches its highest point. The sowing season for most crops has come to an end.

In the region around Gravendam there is a saying:
“After Saint John, the sea no longer takes the showers.”
Thunderstorms no longer drift out towards the sea. It is also said:
“At Saint John, the leaf turns around.”
Saint John marks a moment of transition.

Today, on Sunday 21 June, we therefore hold a 14th-century procession with flags, banners, music and dance. The procession is led by the processional cross, decorated with St. John’s Wort.

Join us:
Children and adults who would like to experience the past are invited to walk (and dance) in the procession as enthusiastic medieval representatives of the City of Gravendam and its guilds.

Starting time: 1 PM
Departure point: Franciscan Friary
For the latest information and any updates, please check the daily programme.

History

Sources mention that midsummer was celebrated in the Middle Ages on 24 June, the feast day of John the Baptist. He was therefore an important saint. In the saints’ calendar, only three birthdays are celebrated: that of Jesus on 25 December, Mary on 8 September, and John the Baptist on 24 June. At Archeon, we celebrate this feast on the Sunday around 21 June.

Christian liturgical feasts and traditions are closely connected with the natural world around us. The position of the sun and moon, the seasons, day and night, desert and fertile land, life and death — all have their place and meaning, with references to the Creator of the universe.

An example of this is the following: on 25 March, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. At that moment, her cousin Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Three months later, on 24 June, John is born. Six months later, on 25 December, Jesus is born (see Luke 1:26).

As with many Christian celebrations, pre-Christian elements can also be found in the background. An example of this is the Saint John’s fires, which may represent an ode to the sun and/or symbols of pre-Christian sacrifices. In the Bible, John the Baptist says that after him someone will come who baptises with water and fire. Fire purifies, fire enlightens the spirit and warms the heart. Thus, pre-Christian and Christian symbolism appear to merge.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is also surrounded by Christian and pre-Christian elements. According to tradition, the red sap in the plant appeared when blood from John’s beheading fell onto the plant. Therefore, the herb was believed to possess great power, even beyond the reach of the devil. In folk legends, the red sap is also associated with the blood of Christ.

In folk belief, the herb protects against thunder and lightning, helps young women find their dream suitor, and helps cows produce more milk when a farmer rubs it over the animal’s house. And much more…

As a healing remedy, the herb is still used today under the name St. John’s Oil. It is used, among other things, for bruises, contusions and cuts.