Klidonas
On June 24th is not only celebrated the birth of Agios Ioannis o Klidonas, but also the beginning of the summer.
The festival starts on June 23 when young women fill a jar with water from a water source in the village. This water is also called silent water, because the young women not talking during the ceremony. When the young women return to their village they pour the water into a large jar and stopping something of personal value, such as a ring or earring in it. After that an old woman covered the large jar with a garment. During the night the young women dream about the man she might marry. The following afternoon the jar is opened and the old woman takes one by one the personal stuff from the jar. During this ceremony the woman sings "we open the Klidonas with the blessing of Agios Ioannis and today the young woman will discover her future." Also the many spectators calling several young boy names. It is believed that the young woman whose personal ownership is removed first from the jar, she will marry before the end of the year.
After the ceremony (mostly on the town square or beach) all flower wreaths from the first of May celebration put together. In the evening this pile is set on fire. Especially boys and sometimes girls, men & women jumping over the fire, and this symbolize the end of the old and the beginning of something new. By the fire and the smoke evil spirits, misfortune and illness are expelled. During this fire jumping, there is music and dancing until the early hours.
On June 24th is not only celebrated the birth of Agios Ioannis o Klidonas, but also the beginning of the summer.
The festival starts on June 23 when young women fill a jar with water from a water source in the village. This water is also called silent water, because the young women not talking during the ceremony. When the young women return to their village they pour the water into a large jar and stopping something of personal value, such as a ring or earring in it. After that an old woman covered the large jar with a garment. During the night the young women dream about the man she might marry. The following afternoon the jar is opened and the old woman takes one by one the personal stuff from the jar. During this ceremony the woman sings "we open the Klidonas with the blessing of Agios Ioannis and today the young woman will discover her future." Also the many spectators calling several young boy names. It is believed that the young woman whose personal ownership is removed first from the jar, she will marry before the end of the year.
After the ceremony (mostly on the town square or beach) all flower wreaths from the first of May celebration put together. In the evening this pile is set on fire. Especially boys and sometimes girls, men & women jumping over the fire, and this symbolize the end of the old and the beginning of something new. By the fire and the smoke evil spirits, misfortune and illness are expelled. During this fire jumping, there is music and dancing until the early hours.
Below pictures were taken at various locations in Greece and also in different years.