At this time of the season (end of June) the very ancient pagan cultures used to celebrate the Summer Solstice; also called: Midsummer or Litha. In my country it's called St. John's Day because catholic people basically took all the pagan celebrations and turn them into catholic ones for making everybody to forget their pagan culture and roots.
The summer solstice on June 21st (also celebrated on 22nd or 24th) is the highlight of the year. For the pagan cultures, the Earth shows the fertility given by their Gods and Goddess and share it with us. It's said that all the desires that are brought forth during Litha are most often granted.
The colors of this holiday are yellow, gold and rainbow colors. Is a joyful celebration for paying tribute to the Goddesses Mother Earth, Mother Nature and the Gods Father Sun, Sky and Oak King and the rituals made are for a Nature Spirit communion.
The customs are to make a bonfire (young people jump through it), all night vigil, singing, feasting and celebrating with others.
Here I want to wish you all a very happy Summer Solstice day and beginning of Summer. But it wouldn't be me if I don't add that it makes me kind of sad that this site remember with a picture in its main page religious celebrations like Ramadam and Christmas (another celebration that is actually pagan but deformed and adapted to christianity), but forget the more very ancient traditions and celebrations of the English-Speaking and European countries. The pagan cultures are also our roots and they still are a very important part of our current culture (we could see a sample of that in my previous blog about the names of the days of the week)
So, this is also the reason of coming here to write this blog: since we won't see a picture in the main page of this site to remember this celebration, I do it myself here.
Have a good Midsummer full of happiness and love!
Comments
Then what are the three main monotheistic religions? Here, we celebrate first day of Spring, Summer, Atumn, Late Autumn as a social festival where all people despite their different religious belief enjoy together, there is nothing religious ...rather it is social activities, full of fun, singing and dancing...
Yes bet, all the very ancient civilitations around the world have worshiped the Nature: the ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the Egyptians, the ancient Scandinavian civilizations (Norsemen or Vikings), The Maya civilization, the American Indians (Native Americans)... just to name the most well-known. All that was long before the monotheistic religions emerged and that's why many traditions of the three main monotheistic religions were copied from the pagan cultures.
It's a nice blog, thanks for sharing, Mary! But, I heard about this culture before from my two friends. And, as far as I know/remember, people worshiped the nature in many parts of the world dated back. Like pagan culture, in ancient Egypt, people worshiped the Sun, Ocean and many things, in Indian subcontinent people did the same thing. Even still we can see, people in many parts/some parts of the world celebrate First Summer day, first spring day , first late Autumn day, here we celebrate these three, summer, Spring, late Autumn along with religious fiestas of different religions. Yes, nature plays a great role in our life and after visiting a few cold countries I know why people love to talk about weather when it is sunny!
But, I have a question as I mentioned in ancient Egypt people worshiped The Sun, wind, mountain, etc....is it similar to pagan culture/religion? I heard from my friends how people celebrate or enjoy Mid- summer day but I did not hear about the history behind it. so, I asked you and I hope you would not mind.
Well, we have the similar tradition, but only on 7 of July.
Yes, I will wish something very nice and cool! :)
And please, do the same! ;-)
Olga!! Right!! There it's just the opposite!! Thanks to remind me that! :))
Oh, I didn't know about that Aymara New Year, it's very interesting. Plz, think about to write a blog about it :))
Thanks a lot for your comment, I wish you a very happy Aymara Day!!
Hi Roman!
I'm glad that you like this blog so much :))
So do you also have there the tradition to jump over a bonfire? how cool... and yeah, it's fun! :)
I like to remember how the human being used to celebrate just the blessings of Nature and the change of seasons; I think we shouldn't forget that.
Thanks for your comment, I wish you a very nice longest day of the year and a 'magical' night (the shorter night) where your wishes can come true! ;) (be sure of wishing something nice!)
Bet, do you think this is a 'too long' blog? :/
I wonder what you think about a 300 pages book...
Wooo..it is long, I have to read it on monday
Hi Masha!
What a good blog!
I am so excited because of it!
I don't even know from what to start!
I just want to go to the village with my friends, to light the fire and jump over it for the whole day or night!
Because I just recalled how funny and joyful it is!
It proves one more time, that I have those roots in my DNA!
I would like those traditions to come back, so we all could enjoy feasting, because this day would be the official holiday!
Thank you very much!
Have a Great Sunny Solstice Day! Enjoy Midsummer as much as it possible! And of course the best wishes for you! ;-)