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Mid-Summers Day, Friday 24 June

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Suzanne

Suzanne Report 24 Jun 2011 21:43

british summer time ha,its been p---------g down with rain here all day.x :-D :-D

Researching:
price,lambert,goodlass,mcdonald

Uggers

Uggers Report 24 Jun 2011 19:35

Elizabeth's right - 24th June is Midsummer's day - the Summer soltice is the 21st which is the longest day. They're two different days.

UzziAndHerDogs

UzziAndHerDogs Report 24 Jun 2011 19:00

St John "24th here in spain is a fiesta in the Murca region, last night was a firework night (don't know what lol )
British summer time as is in the UK the summer soltice is as usual which says the mid summer is the 21st and after the that the nights draw in lol

Researching:
Turner, Staniforth in Beighton and Ridgeway Sproat in Sheffield and Cumbria

TeresaW

TeresaW Report 24 Jun 2011 18:35

As far as I'm aware, British summertime begins on March 21st, and the summer solstice (midsummer) is on 21st June so I'm confused too :-) :-S

Researching:
Lovell, Morse, Baker, Duval, Mortlock, Gibbs and Bristow.

Foggy

Foggy Report 24 Jun 2011 17:01

I think your right about all the fairies at Hampstead Heath.....LOL :-D

Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 24 Jun 2011 16:38

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are keeping well.


Midsummer's Day is the middle of summer, after the longest day (Summer Solstice). Before the change of calendars, Midsummer's day fell on 5 July.

Midsummer's Eve is a time associated with witches, magic, fairies and dancing.

On the eve of Midsummer's Day, many bonfires were lit all over the country. This was in praise of the sun, for the days were getting shorter and the sun appeared to be getting weaker, so people would light fires to try and strengthen the sun.

Practice of this ancient ritual, which also includes a Summer Solstice Circle Dance, is now mainly confined to Cornwall, the West Country, and London's Hampstead Heath.


Midsummer's Superstitions

Roses are of special importance on Midsummer's Eve. It is said that any rose picked on Midsummer's Eve, or Midsummer's Day will keep fresh until Christmas.


In Great Britain from the 13th century, Midsummer was celebrated on Midsummer Eve (St. John's Eve, June 23) and St. Peter's Eve (June 28) with the lighting of bonfires, feasting and merrymaking.

Traditional Midsummer bonfires are still lit on some high hills in Cornwall.
This tradition was revived by the Old Cornwall Society in the early 20th century. Bonfires in Cornwall were once common as part of Golowan, which is now celebrated at Penzance, Cornwall.

In Wales it is called Gwyl Ifan, or Gwyl Ifan Ganol Haf (St John's of Midsummer) to distinguish it from Gwyl Ifan Ganol Gaeaf (St John's of Midwinter, the feast of John the Evangelist). Great agricultural fairs used to be held at this time, along with merriment and dancing. A bonfire was also kept this night.


June 24, is also the feast of St. John the Baptist.

Take gentle care all
Very best wishes
xx