In 1648 Louis XIV, crowned with a wreath of roses and carrying a bunch of roses in his hand, kindled the fire, danced at it and partook of the banquet afterwards in the town hall.
Now that’s some Midsommar shit.
But this was the last occasion when a monarch presided at the midsummer bonfire in Paris.
The “folly” dish was a big part of ye olde banquet. Serving “roast” animals that were actually alive was a frequent trick- like the four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie. Wouldn’t want to be the guy who had to pluck the live capon, though.