Peace groups list

Wilson's Almanac has a list of 1,000 worldwide peace group web links, available to Almaniacs and anyone else. It's now three years since it was made, and needs updating. It's a long, tedious, thankless job. Does that whet your appetite?

Info requested on Portuguese customs

Dear Mr Wilson,

I just discovered your fabulous site and I expect to spend many happy hours browsing through it this summer (I live in Europe). I have a question for you. Would you know what the origin is of the Portuguese custom of beating perfect strangers on the head with squeaky hammers or leeks on St. John's Eve and Day (24 and 25 June)? I've already done some searching, nut haven't found an answer yet. I've been to this site with pages that describe customs and devotions related to the liturgical year, including St. John's Eve & St. John's Day.

This site, although very interesting, sadly makes no mention of people pummeling each other with either leeks or hammers. Nor does this one, which describes all manner of Midsummer (St John's Eve) celebrations from pre-christian times to the present.
Can you help me?

Best wishes,
Catherine

Can you help Catherine? Click to email her, and I would be grateful if you'd advise me too, thank you.

In the Book of days:

St John's Eve

St John's Day