In ancient pagan societies the Summer Solstice was hugely significant, it was seen as an important time for fertility, when the harvests of the coming year were blessed. When Christianity entered the pagan areas rather than displace the practices of the old religion it simply incorporated many of them into its own observances under a new name. Because of this, many pagan traditions survive up to the present day. The traditions of the ancients live on in the antics of the revellers even if their original significance has been forgotten.

In pre-Christian Ireland the first fire was lit on the hill of Howth, Co Dublin, and the moment the flame appeared through the darkness a great shout went up from the watchers on all the surrounding hilltops, where other fires were quickly kindled until soon the whole country was ablaze. Midsummer fires still blaze from every hilltop in Ireland on the eve of 23 June, now called in Gaelic, Oidche Tein’ Seaghan (Eha or Eel Chin Shawn), or the “Night of John’s Fire.”

Saint John’s eve is also a favourite fairy season, when the “good people” hold their midnight revels in every green fort. On this night especially the fairies are on watch to carry off careless mortals, particularly, women and infants who are not protected by a sprig of lusmor (foxglove), or some other safeguard against fairy influence. This night is a chosen time for visiting many holy places, especially the numerous wells called after Saint John.