SANKT (SKT.) HANS BONFIRE*
Those of you who have been in DK for more than a year have most likely heard or even taken part in a Skt. Hans bonfire. Those of you who haven't, should definitely join us in this activity. (background on this after the practical info) We will use this "celebration" to have a picnic, hygge, company, observe other people, etc... :-)
WHEN: Thursday, June 23
WHERE: Frederiksberg Garden (main entrance: Runddel 1A, 2000 Frederiksberg)
TIME:
17:15 - Some of us plan to arrive there in order to save a spot. You can come when it fits you. Try to find your way to us on the grass lawn between the yellow building and the "lake". At the main entrance you take the left path (just follow the other people) and you'll get to the lake, the lawn, and the yellow building. If you give up on finding us on your own, give us a call (6171 6551) and we'll either guide or come get you.:-)
19:00 - 21:20 Entertainment with different choirs, artists and community singing
21:20 - 21:30 Speaker by Claus Meyer (Danish gastronomical entrepreneur)
21:30 Lighting of the fire and some more singing
TO BRING: Food for yourself, a blanket to sit on, warm clothes (remember we're in Scandinavia :-)) & a friend or two :-)
We hope you'll join.
The CONNECTteam :-)
*The 24th of June is supposedly the birthday of John the Baptist. However, like Christmas eve, Sankt Hans evening is also a remnant from historical pagan tradition. Sankt Hans evening coincides with the known Midsummer where the longest day of the year is celebrated. This celebration has been the most important celebration of the summer. It is also known as the burning of the witch. This is not in direct linkage to the medieval burning of the witches though. A figure resembling a witch is placed on top of the fire and it is said that the witch is flying to Bloksbjerg (the mountain Blok) in Harzen (DE). The bonfire as well as the witch is a newer tradition coming from German craftsman who visited Kalundborg (DK) in the 1860'ies. In connection to the traditional midsummer rituals farmers would have bonfires but the purpose was to scare witches and evil spirits away and not burn them on the fire.
