Midsummer
| Midsummer Summer Solstice | |
|---|---|
Midsummer bonfire in Tysnes, Norway | |
| Also called | Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Summer Solstice, St. John's Feast Day, Jāņi, Enyovden, Līþa/Lithe, midsommar, Ivan Kupala Day, Juhannus/Mittumaari (from Swedish midsommar)/Keskikesä (from Swedish midsommar), Alban Hefin, Gŵyl Ganol yr Haf, Sankthans, Joninės, jaanipäev, Kresna noč |
| Observed by |
|
| Type | Cultural and Religious |
| Significance | Marks the traditional middle of summer, beginning of Meteorological summer, and the nativity of St. John the Baptist. |
| Celebrations | Festivals, bonfires, feasting, singing, maypole dancing |
| Observances | Church service, reenactments of the life of Saint John the Baptist, processions, baptisms, and church weddings |
| Date | A date close to the summer solstice |
| Related to | Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Saint John's Eve |
Midsummer is a celebration of the season of summer, taking place on or near the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere; the longest day of the year. The name "midsummer" mainly refers to summer solstice festivals of European origin. These cultures traditionally regard it as the middle of summer, with the season beginning on May Day. Although the summer solstice falls on 20, 21 or 22 June in the Northern Hemisphere, it was traditionally reckoned to fall on 23–24 June in much of Europe. These dates were Christianized as Saint John's Eve and Saint John's Day. It is usually celebrated with outdoor gatherings that include bonfires and feasting.