Summer Solstice

Some rituals, of dual significance, are performed in the Azores, defining this specific time of the year.
1st of May is still marked by one last ritual act of exorcism, apparently dislocated from its original date, and taking place in some islands of the Azores, at day break of the 1st of May, when it is believed that the last demons of Winter are living the Earth. One can observe what are popularly called ‘Maios’ (Mays), dummies representing human figures, made by the population and placed, in sitting position, by the window or veranda of the houses, sometimes surrounded by ritual food. Basically, these ‘Maios’ represent the master of the house, in an alert attitude, guarding his family and goods against evil. In addition, magical plants are often suspended at doors and windows, over animals, or in any opening, in order to impede the entrance of the demons. It is said that the persons who sleep until late on that morning will be sick during the entire year, because they may be possessed by demons that are looking for a soul where they can lodge, instead of returning to the underground. This belief explains the need for the alert attitude. The information coming from Europe about this ritual, only refers the 30th of April as the night of the ‘Walpurgis’, well known within German demonology, and to the utilization of magic plants, but not to the construction of dummies, possibly a local magic.

Holy Spirit Festivities
Passing the preoccupation with the germination of the plants, the symbolism and language of the Summer Solstice appeals to a mood of happiness, as the background for fertility rites, which count on that feeling for a better production. This feeling of joy is expressed in many ways, but is verbally manifest within the context of the Holy Spirit Festivities, where it is said that the Holy Spirit ‘wants everybody happy’.

The main symbols used at the time are, all of them, concerned with fertility. They are the Bull, appearing in various types of fights or situations, the Woman, as the ‘Queen’, and the Sun, represented in all sorts of fire works and bonfires, done in the past with the intention of renovate its energy.
The festivities called ‘Sanjoaninas’ (Saint John Festivities), which take place in Terceira Island, by the 22nd of June (during one week, surrounding the date of the Summer Solstice), present all of these universally recognized fertility symbols, while taking full advantage of the spirit of joy demanded at this time of the year. Many other celebrations, in which the central figure is the woman, the bull and/or the sun, take place in the archipelago during this time. Bonfires, dances around a pole, divinations, and participation in huge meals are all practices tied to fertility rites that continue to be popular in the Azores at this time of the year, sometimes dedicated to São João (Saint John) conveniently known as the matchmaker saint.