A few days have passed since the preparation of the water of San Giovanni, and it is already time for a new ritual. On the night between June 28th and 29th, on the occasion of Saint Peter and Paula mixture of is prepared water e egg born to predict the weather: it is the St. Peter’s boatwhich over time has become a symbol of good luck.
St. Peter’s Boat: Predicting the Future
It is a tradition mostly linked to the regions of Northern Italy, partly forgotten. A habit born, as always, among the peasant community: the magic water was used, in fact, to make predictions about the weather, fundamental for the summer harvest. What is it? A simple transparent jug filled with water into which a egg whites. Just like with St. John’s water (rich in wild flowers), the tray should be left out in the open all night, so that it comes into contact with the first dew of the morning.
Full sail, towards sunny days
The reason for the name is easy to explain: the egg white, in contact with water, solidifies and splits into many filaments. With its bright white color, immersed in water, it really resembles a ship with many sails. How to predict the weather? In the past, it was said that the shape of the “sails” was quite indicative. If they are open, then sunny days will come, if on the contrary they are small and closed, rain and bad weather should be expected. In some areas, then, the presence of many sails was interpreted as a sign of abundance and prosperity: an upcoming wedding, or perhaps a child.
It is certain that egg white crystallizes in water, but according to popular beliefs the form it takes can be decisive for the future. The families of the past believed that it was in fact Saint Peter himself, fisherman and ferryman of souls, who blew into the basin of water to reveal his own destiny to the faithful.
