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Guide Note:
Midsummer, or Litha, is a neo-pagan solstice celebration in honor of the longest day of the year. While some traditionally begin summer on this day, the pagan tradition follows the beginning of summer on Beltane in May. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and daylight hours are at their longest, it is midsummer. -
Fast Facts:
- Date: June 21
- Can also be celebrated anytime between June 20th through June 23rd
- Also known as Litha
- Preceded by Beltane
- Followed by Lughnasadh
- Solstice holiday
- Celebrates life, growth, fertility, pregnancy
- The Earth Goddess is considered to be swollen with child at this time
- Falls opposite of Yule on the Wheel of the Year
- An auspicious time for handfasting rituals
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The roots of Midsummer
The celebration of Midsummer stretches back into the history of many cultures once steeped in pagan beliefs. In many European countries that were converted to the Christian faith, the Catholic Church shifted the celebration of Midsummer to focus on the birthday of John the Baptist. Catholic authorities of that time were known to associate popular pagan festivals and celebrations with Christianity so that they could make an easier transition into the Christian faith.Midsummer Today
While some may associate Litha with the sun Gods because of the celebration of the longest days of light, it is actually a time to honor the Earth Goddess, who is swollen and pregnant with the life and abundance that will fuel the harvest festivals that begin with Lughnasadh in August. Because Midsummer is a time to celebrate growth and life, many of the rituals involve flowers. Because of their abundance during June, Lilies and St. John's Wort are just two types of flowers that can be used at this time to decorate altars. In both ancient and modern times, the bonfire is a significant symbol of the celebration. Jumping over the bonfire is a tradition believed to bring luck, prosperity and protection, and for the newly handfasted couple it's thought to bring happiness to the marriage.
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Midsummer Questions
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Music ID: Trying to figure the name of a song ... video: midsummer's night dream-ish .. 1 AnswerI think you are thinking of the song called "Free Falling." by Tom Petty. ... read more -
Has anyone else caught the midsummer malaise? Recommended treatment or cure? 1 AnswerMid-summer malaise maybe triggered by some factors as this kind of season enters. Body malaise as what minor cases delivers is a common result, so take off your... read more -
Does anyone know exactly what it means in A Midsummers Night Dream when Hermia says,...the wishers eyes be pressed? 1 AnswerIt means, "The wisher's eyes be closed in sleep" read more
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What is William Shakespeares best play? 7 AnswersNot to wax philosophical but I think Shakespeare's best play is the one when read that speaks to you personally. I guess it's possible that one may be better wr... read more
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On Twitter Powered by Twitter
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RT @fakhranaaa Loves look not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore a winged cupid painted blind - A Midsummer Night's Drea
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Loves look not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore a winged cupid painted blind - A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare
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a midsummer night's dream ..
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Watching: beatmania + IIDX nonstop medley "A Midsummer Night's Another Squall"‐ニコニコ動画(9) http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm8314951
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tonight tonight tonight A MIDSUMMER NIGHT"s DREAM... http://bit.ly/93l1mo
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