Water, the source of life, is an ancient symbol of purification. According to folk belief it is especially powerful at the time of the summer solstice, when all wells, rivers, ponds and fountains are full of magical powers. Ritual washing on the night of the solstice cleanses the body and spirit, bringing blessings, good luck and health. It reminds us of John the Baptist, who baptised Christ in the river Jordan so that, cleansed in the water, he could begin a new chapter in his life.

In addition to ritual bathing, during Midsummer water-throwing was also common. Boys would throw water at girls while they danced around the bonfire, and the girl who had been sprinkled was expected to get married soon. Marriage was a topic of great concern for young women. In the 17th century Valvazor reported that they looked for answers in water: they threw garlands into wells to see the image of a groom in the reflection. Similarly, in the 19th century, girls poured water into tubs placed under windows and at midnight searched for the faces of their grooms in the moonlight.

Bucket for drawing water from a well, first half of the 20th century