Midsummer bonfire at the Druckerhof

The lighting of a mighty fire on the nights around the summer solstice or Johannistag is probably one of the oldest still alive Customs. Paradoxically, however, it remains unclear why people in pre-Christian times came up with the idea of lighting up the already brightest time of the year with flames. But looking into the embers, it is easy to understand why the popular belief developed that the bonfire could ward off demons, disease, bad harvests and hail. The ancient custom is also said to "fire up" the growth and fertility of meadows and fields.