Ivanden – the birth of St. John the Baptist -. One of the major summer Christian Orthodox holidays in honor of the birth of St. John the Baptist (July 7/24 June). It is celebrated with many customs, beliefs and songs related to herbs. The belief that the sun on that day played or turned over three times, stems from the fact that the holiday is in the warmest period of the year. Opposite the feast is picked flowers called Ivanden and placed in the coffins with the laundry to keep them from moths. In the evening, the holiday, for health are picked fern, which puts in the bed where it is asleep. In the morning of the fee with ferns, there are wreaths that are placed in the gardens, with the belief that they will protect plants from pests. The feast is connected and the custom of Tianane. A group of girls broke down a morn with various herbs, one put him on his head, and others walked with her and sang IDENDEAN songs: Tiane Nainte, I have Brother Saint Jovan … In Prespa with many customs and beliefs, the girls made a doll “Ivanka” She walked her through the streets, singing songs and gathering gifts. Lit.: “Unit for People’s Immigration, Science and Lict”, t. Ⅷ, Sofia, 1896, 144. M. Keith.
Original article in Macedonian language Cyrillic alphabet
Кириличен напис ИВАНДЕН РАЃАЊЕ НА СВЕТИ ЈОВАН КРСТИТЕЛ