Midsummer's Day

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British life and culture - England, Scotland and Wales

Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer's Day
Woodlands Junior School is in the south-east corner of England
When is Midsummer's Day? Midsummer's Day, the middle of summer, falls on on 24 June, after the longest day (Summer Solstice). Before the change of calendars, Midsummer's day fell on 5 July. Why are Midsummer's Day and the Summer Solstice not on the same day? The longest day in the northern hemisphere is today either the 20th or 21st of June, whilst Midsummer's Day in Europe is traditionally on 24 June. This discrepancy is said to have been caused by the variants of the Julian Calendar and the Tropical Year further confused by the Gregorian Calendar. What used to happen on Midsummer's Eve? Midsummer's Eve is a time associated with witches, magic, fairies and dancing. On the eve of Midsummer's Day, many bonfires were lit all over the country. This was in praise of the sun, for the days were getting shorter and the sun appeared to be getting weaker, so people would light fires to try and strengthen the sun. Midsummer's Eve today Practice of this ancient ritual, which also includes a Summer Solstice Circle Dance, is now mainly confined to Cornwall, the West Country, and London's Hampstead Heath. Midsummer's Superstitions Roses are of special importance on Midsummer's Eve. It is said that any rose picked on Midsummer's Eve, or Midsummer's Day will keep fresh until Christmas. At midnight on Midsummer's Eve, young girls should scatter rose petals before them and say: Rose leaves, rose leaves, Rose leaves I strew. He that will love me Come after me now. Then the next day, Midsummer's Day, their true love will visit them. Back to facts and tales about the month of June
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All the materials on these pages are free for educational use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place the content of this page on any other website or blog without written permission from Mandy Barrow, Woodlands Junior School.