28/06/2026
Every June 24th, the Fête de Saint-Jean takes place in the hills above the village where I live in the south of France.
The celebration begins with a 20-minute hike to a tiny chapel perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Beside it are the ruins of a castle dating back to 1292. The ceremony includes a procession of donkeys, accordion and flute.
Traditionally a great bonfire is lit, and people take turns jumping over the flames. While the festival is now dedicated to Saint John, its roots are much older an ancient pagan celebration of the Summer Solstice, honoring the longest days of the year.
I found wild St. John’s wort in full bloom, its tiny golden flowers like little suns. Traditionally harvested around this time of year. The French call it millepertuis, and were surprised to learn its English name corresponding with Saint John and the moment it’s ready to harvest. The plant has been used in Europe as a medicinal herb—known for its mood-lifting properties and infused into oils to soothe burns, bruises, muscle aches, and inflamed skin.
It was my first time attending, and it felt like stepping into a tradition that has connected people to this landscape for centuries, the priest even did part of the sermon in traditional Provençal language which was so beautiful to hear and realize how traditions and prayers survive through time in different languages and names. I imagine that my Saint John’s wort oil is being created with the offspring of flowers that have always bloomed there.
