The festivals of Midsummer (also known as Summer Solstice) welcome the natural abundance of gifts presented by Mother Earth, as well as offering a time of gathering in celebration of the cycles of the seasons and the sun. Midsummer has been venerated since the most ancient of times in many cultures around the world and is perhaps best known in Celtic lore as the prime time to see fairies. Summer Solstice is a time of light and of fire. It is a time to embrace the joy of the season: the seeds planted previously in the earth are now in full bloom as are the seeds of love planted in our hearts. The change of seasons allows us to reflect on the beauty of the earth, on the cycles of time, and on ourselves.
Legends also state that what you dream on this eve, will come to pass. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. It is officially the first day of summer and referred to as Midsummer because it is roughly the middle of the growing season throughout much of Europe. This year, the Summer Solstice begins on June 21, 1:45 am EDT. The moon of Midsummer in pagan tradition, was called the “Honey Moon” from mead made of fermented honey, which was consumed after the marriage ceremonies held on the Summer Solstice.
Summer goes by quickly. Life is short. Take some time on this glorious Summer Solstice to Revel in the Sun, Dance with Abandon, and in the evening at Twilight, sit under a tree and perhaps you’ll view the fairies in their circle of celebration…
If you’re in North Carolina during this time, be sure not to miss this event:
The North Carolina Renaissance Faire, also known as The Historical Enrichment Society is a nonprofit organization which promotes the arts, history and culture, as well as the fantasy and folklore of the Medieval/Renaissance era.
On MidSummer, June 20th and 21st, 2009 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm both days, the Historical Enrichment Society will celebrate a MidSummer Fairy Festival with the fantasy characters and creatures and fairies of old . This unique event, held at 13239 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest NC, opens the hearts and imaginations of all who enter by celebrating the wonderful medieval traditions of the fay and their evolution into the present.
Activities include: Music, Dancing, LARP, Games, Food, Artisans, Sword Fighting, the hatching of the Baby Dragon for younger Fae, a Maypole and Fairy Court.
Tickets are $5 and children under 5 are free.
More information can be found at: www.ncrenfaire.org