Onomastic fusion 24 June between Sirens and butterflies ☀of Juan Bautista. #history #culture #Venezuelan Tradition
My dear Steemers! The onomastic June 24, is the festive milestone or apex of the summer solstice. Saint John the Baptist is popular within Christianity and the occult religion (spiritist), celebrations are gathered (the longest day of the year on June 21, the date that ends the harvest cycle, announcing climate changes) and there are specific elements that I will explain.
What are siren songs?
The popular legend said that Juan the Baptist had fallen into a deep sleep on his birthday (June 24) waking up on June 29 believing it was 24; He stood up cheerfully prepared to celebrate until he met Saint Pedro and he asked him why he was celebrating? Baptist replies that he celebrates his birthday, SaintPedro clarifies his mistake, since his birthday had passed, so it was the day of his saint (29 June is commemorated the day of Saint Peter and Saint Pedro).
Upon realizing it, Juan (jhon)cries heartily for missing his birthday party and nothing and no one could calm him down. Then some Sirens* when they see Bautista cry; they start singing to him, they offer him their sweet, beautiful, melodious songs that *manage to calm him down and stop crying. When this happens, the sirens promise the saint every June 24th their voices, singing will wake him up so that he will never miss his birthday party again.
In Venezuelan colonial times, the haciendas, civil and ecclesiastical authorities allowed black slavery to play their drums, sing and dance under the figure of San Juan,
the eve of three days; the confinement of the saint and then liberation (giving illusions of freedom to the slaves) that with the passing of the years was enhanced with fervor. The "divine" and "fantastic" songs generate power and the different drum strokes indicate what to do before; during; and then* in a protocolary way.
Next to the blows like the "San Millán", processions how "Sangueo" denote the African roots in the coastal areas of Venezuela (Estado Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy, Vargas...)
All June in these states the devout groups (Confraternities) have drummers, Women singers (sirens), and Butterflies dancing, in the center a man carrying the saint either in child or adult representation.
What are the butterflies?
Within the walk, are those that open the way, purifying and welcoming you to the rainy season, where the plants bloom and are full of them. The butterflies are represented by women, girls, teenagers who with tiny or giant flags* and very colorful flags, *sing in coral with the sirens. **
We can also relate it to the Queen of the Spiritist religion Maria De La Onza (Named Yara by the Aborigines) if we observe many flags of dark Azul color like the one of the wells as they work the baptismal beliefs with the sacred rivers.
Without a doubt, the cultural manifestation of San Juan Bautista is one of the largest in the country. I grew up in a "San Juanera" family and every year we walk by the saint. Here I leave some photographs made by my excellent friend JJ Pescador last year. I was singing and photographing too (I am the girl of the curly hair). It is a unique experience that fills the soul and spirit with good energy.
I hope you liked it see us in a next post!💖
