Bonfires lit on the hilltops across the Island on Midsummer Eve. They were lit to the windward side of every field so that the smoke might pass over the corn. Cattle were herded into enclosures and blazing furze was carried around them to purify the herd. Protective herbs were gathered. The bonfires connected to the Tynwald Day ceremony the following morning: spiritual protection on the eve, then constitutional ceremony at dawn.