Divining love 

Greece is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and rich heritage, but it is also a place where ancient customs still hold significant meaning in people’s lives. One such tradition that has survived through the ages is the celebration of the Summer Solstice on June 21st and the associated ritual known as “Klidonas.” The Solstice, together with the celebration of Agios Ioannis (the celebration of the birth of John the Baptist), is revered as “one of the most pagan of the Greek calendar.

It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest, making it ideal for rituals and divination. This period is thought to be particularly powerful for revealing hidden truths and gaining insight into the future. Single, unmarried girls will try to predict their future husbands. The celebration culminates in the lighting of a fire, where the locals will burn wreaths of the May wild flowers. Participants jumped over the fire three times. The act of burning them serves as a ritual of purification, believed to expel all evil.

A truly wonderful few days of tradition and celebration not to be missed when you are next in Greece… and who knows, maybe for the single ladies you may just see your future husband.