St. John’s Eve

On this night, it is custom to make bonfires throughout the country. One is made in every village and all the people contribute to it. The evening is spent in an amusing manner by singing, dancing and if any old people are present it is much more enjoyable because they tell stories of long ago. When everyone is leaving he or she takes home a half-burned sod and throws it in the potato-field and asks St. John to bless the crop for the year. This is called the Bonfire Night

Collector: Unknown

Informant: Unknown

Place: Kilkerrin, Co. Galway

Footnote: Duchas, http://www.duchas.ie