Midsummer’s day is the longest day of the year and the first day of my favorite season. Also, for many European cultures, this day held significant meaning for them whether it be religious or agricultural, the whole community gathered for this day.
The Germanic and Celtic tribes of Northern Europe celebrated a break from normal work because it was the halfway point between when they planted the crops (Vernal Equinox) and when they harvested them for the winter (Autumnal Equinox). In pre-Christian times, they also believed that there were evil spirits that roamed the earth on this day so they would light bonfires to drive them away. The Romans would also worship the god Summanus on June 20th. This day was then turned into St. John’s day by the Roman Catholic Church in celebration of the birth of John the Baptist and the explanation for still lighting bonfires was that there where dragon’s that were loose on St. john’s Day and the fires scared them away. One note about Midsummer being the halfway point for the harvest is that wedding became a custom because the farmers had less to do during this time so why not get married? Also, standing stone monuments such as Stonehenge and others in Britain and Ireland have specific stones that line up with the sunrise on either Midsummer’s day or Midwinter’s day.
This isn’t a normal blog post for Expedition: Runaway but I will be throwing little bits of history every once and awhile. The Arizona Trip series will continue on Wednesday with my arrival and activities in Phoenix!
Travel well,
Steven Chavez
