The summer solstice is of no less importance than any other festival. It is celebrated around June 21 when the sun is at its most northern point and the highest it raises in the sky. It can also be celebrated on Midsummer’s day (June 24). It is after the pause before the sun starts to descend

 

 

 

The Midsummer festival is also known as Alban Hefin. Hefin is a Welsh word which means summer. A corruption of the work Alban Heruin is poetically referred to as “Light of the Shore”.

The sun, reborn at Midwinter has pushed back the dark part of the point; darkness begins to creep in, pushing the sun back. The cycle of the forces of nature continues, weaving its threads of life and death, dark and light, male and female.

Just the same, consider Midwinter to be the power of femininity, the shrine of womb ~ the inner and receptive, so they consider Midsummer the power of masculinity, honoring the power of light ~ the outer and assertive. Both qualities are expressed in the ever-changing flow of life.
The core of the festival is the expression of the outer aspects of us ~ our vitality and strength. The symbol of Midsummer teaches us when to stop the push for growth and expression.

Celebrations often begin at dusk and include three to four distinct parts: It contains an initiation of the night vigil, the right of dawn, and the right of noon.

Thanks and honor is given to the power of the sun and dedications are made. During the nights vigil the eisteddfod keeps laughter loud and the focus strong.

At dusk, the power of the sun is honored with awe and dedications. At noon on the turning tide is acknowledged. Ideas of the need to balance power with justice and Strength with wisdom prevail among those present. At dawn, our attention is drawn away from the light that gents off the sword of earth and the turning tide it is acknowledged.

Folklore is also common around the campfire, though the sources are often lost in the mists of time.

 

Celtic Traditions [Home] | Site Map | Links | Contact Us