St John’s Day/Day of Dew in Lithuania ― Date, History, and Details
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History of St John’s Day/Day of Dew in Lithuania and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Day of Dew (Lithuanian: Rasa) is a public holiday in Lithuania celebrated on July 12. It commemorates the Roman Catholic feast of Saint John the Baptist. The day is also known as Rasos or dew day, as it is traditional to gather dew on this day to bless crops and ensure a good harvest.
Rasa is a time for family gatherings, picnics and outdoor games. In some parts of Lithuania, young people jump over bonfires to ward off evil spirits. It is also common to eat raspberries and other summer fruits on this day.
The tradition of gathering dew dates back to pagan times when it was believed that dew had magical properties. In Christian times, the dew was seen as a symbol of purity and was used to bless crops and animals.
The Day of Dew is one of the oldest holidays in Lithuania and has been celebrated for centuries.