Old Midsummer Day, Britain

This day is very important in most parts of Europe because it is both Midsummer Day – strictly speaking, not the same as the Summer Solstice – and the feast of one of the most important saints, John the Baptist.

In old England today was a time for moving house. It is known as a quarter day. “On this day some may quit, some may remain; all must pay – that can!”

The bonfires were lit at midnight on Midsummer Eve. There were, anciently, sacrifices, and the people danced around the fire and leaped over it. Firebrands were taken out and the ashes were scattered to the wind in a custom that was thought to dispel evil ...

Categories: saints, calendar-customs