Today is the longest day of the year! Also known as Summer Solace. This is suppose to be the most magical day of the year where Ferries come out to play and love is in the air. This day is celebrated around the world.
When I was in Sweden I noticed that Summer Solace is more important then Christmas. They get two weeks off of work to celebrate this time of year where as for Christmas they only get off two days. The festival is called "Midsommar", houses are decorated inside and out with wreaths and flower garlands. Swedes then dance around the decorated midsummer pole while listening to traditional folk songs known to all. In Sweden, as in many other countries, the magic of Midsummer includes bonfires, and divining the future, especially one's future spouse!
Today is so popular that Shakespeare penned a rollicking play around the antics of humans and mythical creatures called, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Some folklore says that evil spirits were said to lurk about on the magical night of the summer solstice. St. John’s wort, an aromatic ancient herb that smells like balsam was used to ward off witches and evil spirits. The flowers of St.John's Wort were fashioned into circlets and worn on the head. Farmers wreathed livestock with circles of St. John’s Wort. Bouquets of the herb were placed in the home, on the doorstep and over the door to prevent evil from entering the home. Also, bonfires are said to ward away evil spirits and welcome in the new season.
To me I think its the magic in the air that I find most fascinating and the fact that love is also in the air;)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments! They mean the world to me! xoxo