On June 24, we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, known among Bulgarians as Enyovden (Midsummer's Day). For Christians, after the Blessed Virgin Mary St. John the Baptist is the most revered among those born of women.

In the Orthodox calendar, there are only three holidays when we celebrate someone's birth. These are the Nativity of Christ, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

St. John the Baptist is also known as Saint John the Forerunner because he came before Christ and prepared the people with a sermon and baptism for His coming. He also baptized the Savior in the Jordan River.

In folk traditions, Midsummer Day is associated with herbs, which acquire their healing power on the holiday.

• Midsummer night’s dream of Enyovden

Editor: Darina Grigorova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photo: BTA