Jónsmessa

Jónsmessa, also known as Midsummer Night, is an Icelandic holiday celebrated on June 24. It is named after John the Baptist.[1] According to Icelandic folklore, cows gain the powers of speech, seals become human,[2] and it is healthy to roll naked in the dew-covered grass on Jónsmessa.[3] Icelandic folklore also states that if you sit at a crossroads where all four roads lead to separate churches[4] all night, elves will attempt to seduce you with food and gifts.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Heimisson, Þórhallur (2007-06-22). "Jónsmessa". Trúin og lífið (Faith and Life) (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  2. ↑ "Of Time and Tide". Virtually Virtual Iceland. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  3. ↑ Jóhannsson, Símon Jón (2005-11-04). "Hvers vegna á að velta sér upp úr dögginni á Jónsmessunótt?". Vísindavefurinn (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  4. ↑ Árnason, Jón (2003). LinkÍslenzkar þjóðsögur og ævintýri / safnað hefur Jón Árnason ; Árni Böðvarsson og Bjarni Vilhjálmsson önnuðust útgáfuna. Reykjavík: Þjóðsaga. ISBN 9979-3-2474-0.
  5. ↑ Kristinsdóttir, Sigrún María (2006-01-06). "Getting down with the elves". Yukon News. Retrieved 2010-12-19.

External links

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