They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and the proof is in the way the diaspora adopts the customs and traditions of the beloved homeland in their lives abroad. And so it is that yet another beautiful Croatian Catholic custom, Svitnjak, has set its roots in the hearts and calendars of Sydney Croats. The inaugural Svitnjak festivity in Sydney was celebrated at the Croatian Catholic Centre at Blacktown on the eve of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Tuesday June 23rd .
Svitnjak is a mid-year highlight in numerous Croatian villages. Historical records suggest its beginnings in Croatia date around the year 1779. Even though the Church remembers countless saints and holy people during the liturgical year, it only ever celebrates the birthdays of three of them – Jesus, Mary and St John the Baptist. Church teaching tells us that these three people were born without original sin. Although both Jesus and Mary were conceived without original sin, John the Baptist was conceived with original sin. At the Visitation, however, while Mary and Elizabeth are greeting each other, St Luke tells us in his gospel that St John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41). That “leap” has traditionally been understood as John’s recognition and acceptance of the presence of Christ, and this “leap” represents a type of baptism. With this action St John the Baptist was sanctified and thus the stain of original sin was removed from him so that although he was conceived with sin, he was born without sin.
In many Croatian villages, Svitnjak begins as a friendly competition between groups of households who compete to see who can create the largest bonfire. After some short prayers, the festivities begin, with ‘kolos’ danced around the fire, and older members breaking into ‘gange’ or singing patriotic, folkloric songs.
As the flames die down a little, and it is safe to do so, the nimble-footed jump over the flames, singing, “Od Ivana do Ivana, od vode do vode, da me noge ne bole! I ruke, I noge, I glava, I duša”, calling upon St John’s intercession for good health.
On the following day, the actual feast day of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, the villagers get up as early as they can, racing each other to the site of the previous night’s bonfire. It was believed that whoever was the first to tread on the remaining ashes of the fire would be spared from any disease or illness of the foot.
The Blacktown Svitnjak was attended by a modest gathering who enjoyed being able to join their brothers and sisters overseas, at least in spirit. The night began with the lighting of the fire, a commemoration of St John the Baptist, whose fearless proclamation of truth lit the way for the Messiah. The blaze was blessed and followed by a rosary for the protection and future of the Croatian nation. The formalities concluded with a litany to St John the Baptist. The festivities began with much reminiscing around the fire; chestnuts were roasted and corn on the cob was grilled over the flames, all washed down with some rakija and wine. The laughter of children chasing each other around the fire, happily scoffing Kiki lollies and donuts, filled the night air.
Although the inaugural Blacktown Svitnjak this year was a last-minute inspiration, its success and its spirit of prayer, unity and friendship has cemented the organisers’ resolve into formalising and extending the celebration into a bigger and better event next year.
Bog i Hrvati.
