We have reached the longest days of the year here in the northern hemisphere. At last summer seems to have arrived! Midsummer’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many. On this ancient quarter day, deeply rooted in history and folklore, coincidentally (perhaps?), the church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist. Whatever the reason, it is a time where the spiritual, cultural, and natural worlds intertwine, offering a rich tapestry of customs and beliefs.
While Midsummer’s Day is traditionally celebrated on June 24, the summer solstice occurs between June 20 and 22. This event, when the Sun reaches its pinnacle in the sky, is considered by astronomers to be the true beginning of summer. It is a moment of celestial significance, marking the longest day and the shortest night of the year. A reminder of the Earth’s intricate dance with the Sun, the relationship that governs the seasons and shapes our natural world.
Midsummer’s Eve on June 23, calls forth vibrant celebrations in many northern cultures. An evening marked by enchanting festivities of bonfires and gatherings that light up the night, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. In the Tyrol in Austria, mountainsides glow with the brilliance of torches and bonfires, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of nature. This tradition is rooted in the joy and relief of emerging from the long, dark winters of the north.
In Latvia, Midsummer’s Eve, also known as St. John’s Eve, is spent awake by the glow of a bonfire. Legend has it that during this night, a magical fern flower blooms, bringing good luck to those who find it. As dawn breaks, the people cleanse their faces in the morning dew, a ritual of purification and renewal. Customs which reflect a deep connection with nature and a belief in its mystical powers.
During the Stone Age, pagans revered Midsummer as a time of fertility and abundant harvest. They believed that plants held special healing properties during the solstice, and so they engaged in rituals to honour nature. Dancing around maypoles, gathering herbs, and lighting bonfires were common practices. These fires served not only to celebrate but also to ward off evil spirits, as it was believed they roamed freely when the sun turned toward the southern hemisphere.
Eventually, all the intertwined rituals and traditions merged, giving credence and background to this special time of the year. John the Baptist, known for his role in heralding the coming of Jesus, is a figure associated with renewal and repentance. His birth is seen as a time of joy and reflection. Whether we light bonfires or simply bask in the warmth of the sun, may we find joy, healing, and renewal in the eternal rhythms of the seasons.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is probably the best known of all Shakespearean comedies. One can enjoy an imaginative, cheerful, and creative night at the theatre — with a happy ending. A recent reviewer sees the play as one that speaks to the current moment: “Midsummer is a story about a disharmonious world finding unity, which is always relevant,” he said. “The message of love, compromise and unity is one we need to hear right now.”
In the Old Testament, Malachi also speaks to this theme of renewal and hope: “But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” He captures the essence of the day: celebrating light – both natural and divine – life, and renewal.
John Keble’s hymn beautifully encapsulates the spiritual dimensions of Midsummer for me. It begins:
“Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,
it is not night if Thou be near;
O may no earthborn cloud arise,
to hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.”
Keble’s words reflect a yearning for God’s presence and guidance, echoing the themes of light and closeness that are so integral to Midsummer celebrations. His plea for divine companionship: “Abide with me from morn till eve, for without Thee I cannot live,” resonates deeply with the sentiment of seeking connection and support, through faith, community, and all of creation.
Midsummer calls to mind a blend of ancient tradition, astronomical wonder, literary quotations and spiritual reflection. One thinks of age-old customs, the awe of the summer solstice, Shakespeare’s play and many other writers as well as the spiritual celebrations. This day presents so many possibilities – a time to celebrate the light, both celestial and spiritual, that guides and sustains us through the cycles of life.
As we move forward over the next 6 months, I suggest we should ask ourselves the question from Luke 18 v 8 : This Christmas, ‘when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’
And then ask God what we can do.
Much love and many blessings
LucyA
South Chilterns Team Ministry 