In Icelandic Jónsmessa folklore, what unusual ability may animals gain at midnight?

In Icelandic Jónsmessa folklore, animals may gain the ability to speak at midnight.

Jónsmessa is Iceland’s observance of Saint John’s Day, traditionally associated with June 24 and with midsummer folklore. One of the best-known beliefs says that animals can speak at midnight on Jónsmessa.

Other Icelandic traditions connected with the date include claims that rolling naked in dew brings health or that certain natural phenomena become possible during the brief midsummer night. These are folklore motifs, not scientific observations.

Iceland’s high latitude makes the season especially striking: around the June solstice, much of the country experiences very long daylight and twilight. Jónsmessa therefore combines a Christian calendar date with older seasonal beliefs.