Candle of Saint John
The bonfire candle of Saint John for renewal, family unity, and open paths
Candle of Saint John
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The Saint John candle is one of the most vivid symbols of June devotion in Brazil, lit on the night of June 23 and on the day of June 24. With red and white colors, it unites the energy of the festive bonfire with the purity of the baptismal waters. In homes and terreiros, it is sought to close the cycle of the first semester, renew spirit, and invite joy and harmony into the house.
The foundation unites biblical tradition with the popular roots of Brazil. John the Baptist, the desert prophet who baptized in the Jordan River, had his birth announced by the bonfire that Saint Elizabeth lit on the hill to warn Mary. Celebrated on June 24, he lends his bonfire to the festival. In Umbanda and popular faith, the saint is associated with Xangô (Shango) due to the mastery of fire and justice, while in Candomblé nations, the connections follow other foundations.
At home, to set this candle brings welcoming, clarity, and unity among relatives and compadres, combining very well with the traditional June ritual bath. It works as a support of faith to focus on clean paths and renew disposition. Know that the candle does not perform immediate miracles without your attitude and does not replace health care or practical guidance. It is a firmeza of light and serenity to strengthen your choices.
What is it for
What is the Saint John Candle for
The Saint John candle is bicolor, red and white: it joins the fire of the bonfire to the purity of the baptismal water. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and associated with Xangô in Umbanda, it is lit in the cycle of June 24 to renew energies, bring joy to the house, and gather the family with blessings.
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Burn away the exhaustion of the first semester
For those who feel the weight of past months and want to release grievances and fatigue. The symbolic bonfire of the candle helps to close difficult cycles and open space for new achievements.
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Awaken joy and spirit in the home
When the house feels heavy, silent, or discouraged by losses and hard routines. Light it to reanimate the residents, bringing back the June enthusiasm and the warmth of fraternal fellowship.
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Gather the family and soothe disagreements
Ideal for bringing distant relatives closer and defusing conflicts around the table. The festive spirit of Saint John invites affectionate dialogue and the union of those who share the same roof.
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Bless godparent bonds and sincere friendships
In the inland tradition, those who jump the bonfire seal sacred bonds of compadrio. It is lit to protect godparents, godchildren, and loyal friends who have become part of the family.
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Boost the June herbal bath
As Saint John baptized in the waters, the herbal bath of herbs gathered on the eve gains even more strength. Light the candle before bathing to purify the aura and receive the new semester with lightness.
To whom it is dedicated
Devotion to Saint John
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Saint John the Baptist
The precursor prophet and saint of the June bonfires
He announced the coming of Jesus and baptized in the waters of the Jordan. His mother lit a bonfire on the mountain to signal his miraculous birth to Mary. In popular Catholicism, the night of June 24 brings the community together around the sacred fire of renewal.
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Xangô
Orixá of justice associated with the saint through fire
In Umbanda and in terreiros of the Southeast and Northeast, the June fire evokes the justice and transmutation of Xangô, frequently called Xangô Menino on this date. The syncretism is historical and traditional, although it diverges in nations such as Candomblé ketu.
Know Xangô
Also lit by
- Devotees of the June festivals
- Compadres of the bonfire
- Falange of Xangô
Prayer to light
Prayer of the red and white candle to Saint John the Baptist
“Glorious Saint John the Baptist, voice that cried in the desert and prophet announced by the sacred bonfire, I direct to you my prayer on this night of light. I light this red and white candle to place in your hands my house, my family, and the path of my compadres and godchildren. By the heat of this flame, burn away the sorrows, the uncertainties, and the fatigue accumulated in the first semester. By the pure waters of the Jordan with which you baptized, wash my thoughts, renew my hope, and open paths of peace and concord for the months to come. Give us health, abundance on the table, and the blessing of living in fraternal union. May your light dispel all darkness around us and always guide us with joy and righteousness. Amen.”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to consecrate the Candle of Saint John
- 1
Separate the intentions on the paper
Write on a small piece of paper everything you wish to leave behind and the requests for renewal for the home. If you have a bonfire, it will go into the embers; if not, keep it safe under the saucer.
- 2
Arrange the ponto with water and respect
Position the candle on a firm and stable support. Place the glass of water on the right side to keep the environment balanced and safe, in a place protected from harsh drafts and curtains.
- 3
Light with a match and say the prayer
Light the flame with a match on the night of the 23rd or during the day of the 24th. Say the prayer with a calm heart, visualizing the purifying bonfire consuming the worries of your home.
- 4
Take the junino scent ritual bath
With the candle lit, prepare the infusion of the herbs of Saint John and rosemary. After the hygiene bath, pour the warm or cold water from the neck down, mentally affirming joy and vigor.
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Let it burn until the end without blowing
Never blow out the candle flame. Let it burn until the end safely. The wax remains and the paper go into the common trash or the bonfire ashes, the water waters a beautiful plant, and the dishes are washed for normal reuse.
Precautions before lighting
- Keep the candle on a firm saucer away from curtains or wood. Never release festival balloons, as they cause serious accidents and forest fires.
- Those who attend a terreiro and wish to greet Xangô in June must follow the instructions of the head of their house (zelador de santo), respecting its own traditions.
- The herbal bath is from the neck down. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, test before. Devotional practices do not replace medical care.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Saint John Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Living, clear, and upright flame
Many houses read this as a sign of opening and welcoming of the prayer request, indicating that the second semester tends to move forward with enthusiasm, renewed joy, and family harmony.
- Observe
Flame that releases sparks and crackles
It may reflect energetic movement in the environment or festive wind currents. Traditions suggest staying calm, protecting the location, and focusing your attention on the Saint John prayer.
- Attention
Low, timid, or flickering flame
Some practitioners interpret this as spiritual exhaustion or discouragement of the one who made the request. It is worth checking the wick, reinforcing your prayer with faith and, if you feel it in your heart, lighting a new candle on the 24th.
- Attention
Wax that weeps down the sides
It usually indicates an excess of emotional anxiety or accumulated weight being released. It is recommended to breathe deeply, take the herbal bath, and trust in the right time of things.
- Good sign
Clean and complete burning from beginning to end
When the candle consumes all the wax without leftovers on the plate, many traditions consider that the renewal was fully accepted and that the path is clear to prosper.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that combine with the Candle of Saint John
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Erva-de-São-João / Mentrasto
Ageratum conyzoides
Traditionally harvested in the June cycle, it enters the bath on the night of Saint John to ward off discouragement, renew energies, and attract serenity to the home.
See the herb -
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Solar herb that awakens joy and spirit. A green branch placed next to the candle or infused in the bath water raises the vibration of the house and scares away old sorrows.
See the herb -
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Aromatic leaf of peace and reconciliation. Excellent for composing the scented water of Saint John, purifying the mind and harmonizing conversations among family members.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Candle of Saint John now
Choose the type, write your request, and pay by PIX. The flame stays on the altar and you follow along through the link.
Place on the altarFrequently asked questions
Questions about the Candle of Saint John
What is the best day to light the Candle of Saint John?
The traditional moment is on the night of June 23, eve, or throughout the day of June 24, the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Although the Catholic Church also commemorates the martyrdom of the saint on August 29, the tradition of the bonfire and the requests for renewal occur in the June cycle.
Can I blow out the candle if I need to leave the house?
Yes, you can extinguish it by smothering the flame, never by blowing. Use a snuffer or a metal spoon to extinguish the fire safely in case you need to leave the room. Upon returning, light the candle again with a match, concentrate on your prayer, and let it finish the burning cycle with tranquility.
What should I do with the wax leftovers on the saucer?
The wax leftovers can be discarded normally in the common trash or placed in the ashes of the June bonfire. Since the energy and the intention of the prayer were consumed with the burning of the fire, the material residues do not carry any enchantment. The dish used can be washed and kept for common domestic use.
What is the difference between the Saint John candle and the Saint Peter candle?
The Saint John candle focuses on renewal, spirit, and fraternal union by the bonfire on June 24. The Saint Peter candle, celebrated on June 29, is sought for opening doors, property protection, and steadiness for those who look after the paths. Both are part of the June cycle, but with distinct purposes and dates.
Can I light the Saint John candle inside an apartment?
Yes, you can light it at home or in an apartment with total safety and respect. Place the candle on a deep saucer on a firm surface, away from the reach of curtains, dry plants, or strong wind. Those who do not have a backyard to make a bonfire find in the candle flame the same symbolic heat of purification.
Is Saint John the Baptist the same entity as Xangô?
No, they are distinct figures that were brought together by historical syncretism in Brazil. Saint John the Baptist is the Christian prophet who baptized Jesus in the Jordan, while Xangô is the Yoruba deity of justice, quarries, and cosmic fire. In Umbanda, they converse through the force of the sacred fire of June, but each tradition maintains its own sacred foundation.
