When I were a lad growing up in Ireland, today June 23rd, St. John's Eve was the occasion for bonfires all over the country side. The materials were gathered for weeks before hand and it was quite a sight to see the numbers of fires as darkness approached. Fire were usually lit on high ground. Home made noise makers were a common feature and these consisted of a lemonade bottle with the bottom removed and blown into in the manner of a primitive trumpet. How was it made? The trick was to put about an inch of water in the bottom and to carefully place the bottle on some hot coals. By being very careful, the glass cracked neatly around the edge of the water and was better than a glass cutter could ever do.Fireworks were never used at least around my part of the country. Happy days. I wonder if the custom has now died out?