If you’ve been thinking about how you’re going to make the most of this summer, we’ve got some great news for you.

You don’t have to travel the world to immerse yourself in German culture. You can learn German this summer at a teeny tiny fraction of what it would cost you to take a big trip.

Over the years, we at Innovative Language Learning have been working hard to develop the best German language learning program available.

You can rely on our proven method. It’s been field tested over and over again. There are no weak points, no gaps and no traps. This program is FUN, FAST, and EASY and best of all …you won’t spend a lot of money!

In fact this your chance to get Premium level access to GermanPod101.com for 25% less than standard pricing. That means Monthly Premium Access as low as $7.50 and Basic Access as low as $3.00!

Your GermanPod101.com Premium Membership includes exclusive benefits like:

*Comprehensive, user-friendly, language lessons
*Quick Pronunciation & Accent Review
*Easy Transcription Translation
*Informal Speech Lessons
*Complete Audio Archive Access
*Instant Online Lesson Discussions (connect with other students online!)
*Instant Word Finder
*1-on-1 Live Instructor Hours
… and so much more!

Click here now to start speaking today. All New Lessons Start Next Week!

This is the perfect time to take advantage of 25% OFF!

Johannistag is Midsummer’s day in Germany. It is held in June of each year and is centered on summer solstice. It is also said to represent the day of John the Baptist. During this time, people were of the impression that the midsummer plants had healing and miraculous powers.

The celebration begins with a lit bonfire that is indicative of getting rid of evil spirits who were thought to be on the loose when the sun turned to the south, which was when the midsummer began.

In Germany, a decree was issued by the Nuremberg town council on June 20th 1653, which allowed the people of Germany the right to celebrate this occasion around their bonfires as they carried out their superstitious activities of ridding their town of all kinds of evil spirits.

The Midsummer’s day begins on June 24th of each year and is an indication of the beginning of the summer. It is a cultural event to use this day as a celebration depending on what each country believes. As discussed above, the Germans believe that this day is the designated day to get rid of evil from their communities.

They plan this bonfire ceremony to cast out all spirits that want to come in and harm them. Some of these spirits were thought to be from the witches in the area that called them out during their celebration of the Midsummer Day.

The Summer solstice link to Midsummer Day began in ancient times. During this time, “need-fires,” is one of the German practices that exemplify the Midsummer Day. It was used in a religious practice to heal the domestic animals. The animals were driven between two fires that were started by rubbing wood together.

To prevent disease in pigs, they also passed through the fires. In the mountain areas, the folks extinguish all fires from their homes and walk to a specific location with their farm animals. They light a fire and let the animals pass through it to prevent any type of plague in their villages.

The need-fires take place in different areas during the Midsummer Day and is thought of being a preventative action against any disease that may occur later.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from everyone here at GermanPod101.com! We’re grateful to have listeners just like you, and we’re eagerly waiting for the upcoming year to learn German together!

And when the New Year comes around, be sure to make a resolution to study German with GermanPod101.com!

Have a healthy and happy holiday season.

From the GermanPod101.com team!