The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21, when the day and the night are of equal length. Altogether, Midsummer is a favorite holiday for many in that it is so hospitable to outdoor celebrations. The warm summer night seems to invite it. And if the celebrants are not in fact skyclad, then you may be fairly certain that the long ritual robes of winter have yielded place to short, tunic-style apparel. As with the longer gowns, tradition dictates that one should wear nothing underneath -- the next best thing to skyclad, to be sure.
{Incidentally, now you know the REAL answer to the old Scottish joke, 'What is worn underneath the kilt?')
The two chief icons of the holiday are the spear (symbol of the Sun-God in his glory) and the summer cauldron (symbol of the Goddess in her bounty). With its many mythic associations, it is no wonder that Midsummer is such a joyous and magical occasion! |
