Midsummer: Fire and Dance This ancient festival marking the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) was celebrated on the evening of St. John the Baptists Day (June 23). Communal bonfires glowed throughout the countryside, creating a spectacular sight over the dark landscape. Neighboring communities often competed to build the biggest, brightest bonfire. Many households lit their own small bonfire on the farmstead to ensure a good harvest. People continued the ancient tradition of throwing the lighted embers from the fire into their fields to ensure a good harvest and spread the ash on their animals and crops to protect them. Summer brought opportunities for pleasurable outdoor pastimes to the rural family. The main seasonal festivals celebrated the first day of summer on May Day and the solstice at midsummer. Planting was done - now people began to cut turf from the bog for fuel. As the summer progressed and the food supplies ran out, poor people suffered through a Hungry July before the new crop was ready. A wet May and a dry June make the farmer whistle a tune. - traditional rhyme
Posted on: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:20:43 +0000
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