Santu Giuanni and the leaves of olive

Until the middle of the twentieth century, in the territory of Gergei (Sarcidano), apparently, in the night between the 23rd and the 24th June (during the summer solstice) strange phenomenons used to happen. The pagan recurrence originated centuries ago. In the night of Santu Giuanni (Saint Giovanni Battista) numerous bonfires were lit in the town's quarters: children and adults had to cross the fire with a leap, jumping in pair, in order to purify the soul.

On the same fire, olive's leaves were burnt. According to a popular belief, the future could be read with this ritual: for example, if the twigs popped, the engagement between the two lovers would have come true.

At dawn of the 24th of June, officinal herbs were picked to be kept from being used at the moment of the need, during the whole year. Analogous rituals were carried out in Mandas, Escolca and in other towns of the Sarcidano. Nearly everywhere, on the festivity dedicated to San Giovanni Battista, permanent friendship ties were tightened with the propitious ritual “of the flowers”.