On June 29th, Saint Peter and Saint Paul are celebrated and, like any self-respecting anniversary, this too has its traditions linked to popular customs.

The cult of Saint Peter dates back to the Middle Ages, and was introduced into the Lombardy region by the Benedictine monks. Numerous beliefs and traditions are associated with it, especially those related to fishing, since Saint Peter was a fisherman.

But there is a tradition, widespread throughout northern Italy, which is particularly fascinating and still practiced today: it is the boat of St. Peter , which appears as if by “magic” on the night between June 28 and 29.

The tradition of St. Peter’s boat consists of half-filling a glass bottle or jug ​​with cold water (preferably spring water), and then very delicately pouring the white of an egg into it.

Without banging or shaking the container too much, you need to take it outside, on the windowsill at home and better if under a tree, and leave it open all night: the dew will work its magic.

The next morning you will notice that the egg white has taken on a shape similar to that of a sailing ship. White, almost transparent filaments will have formed, the shape of which resembles that of unfurled sails.

According to tradition, open sails indicated the arrival of the sun, while closed, thin sails indicated the arrival of rain.

Today the tradition of St. Peter’s boat is put into practice above all as a good omen.