Mid-Summer Day

Midsummer Day—June 24

Although Midsummer Day occurs near the summer solstice, or what we think of as the beginning of summer, to the farmer it is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration.

Midsummer Eve (June 23) is considered sacred to lovers. On this evening, pick seven different wildflowers and then walk home silently and backward. Place the flowers under your pillow and dream of your future husband or wife.

In the ancient Celtic calendar, Midsummer Day was a “Quarter Day,” one of the days that marked the four major divisions of the year. Read more about “Quarter Days.”

By tradition, today was the earliest day deemed safe for swimming, because of its connection with St. John the Baptist, who blessed Jesus in the Jordan River. Also, most lakes and swimming holes will have warmed up by now. Celebrate with a dip!