Midsummer
Midsummer
Midsummer (/mɪdˈsʌmər/), also known as Saint John's Day, is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day between June 19 and June 25 and the preceding evening.
Etymology
The term "Midsummer" derives from the Old English midsumor, which is composed of mid ("middle") and sumor ("summer"). This term refers to the period in the middle of summer, specifically the time around the summer solstice.
Related Terms
- Summer solstice: The day with the longest period of daylight, marking the start of the astronomical summer.
- Saint John's Day: A Christian feast day celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, often associated with midsummer celebrations.
- Litha: A term used in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year to refer to the summer solstice.
- Bonfire: A large open-air fire used as part of the celebrations of Midsummer in many cultures.
Midsummer in Medicine
In traditional medicine, Midsummer is often associated with the collection of medicinal plants. Many cultures believed that plants and herbs collected at Midsummer had greater healing properties. This belief is reflected in the tradition of the Midsummer pole, a key feature of Midsummer celebrations in some cultures, which is often decorated with plants and flowers believed to have medicinal properties.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Midsummer
- Wikipedia's article - Midsummer
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