Heroic Dreams - All Things Medieval

Today is the day of the Summer Solstice. It is the longest day of the year, and the shortest night.

Some 24,000 people gathered today at Stonehenge to mark this occasion and you can read a news article about it here Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

So What is the solstice? Here is a quote from ReligiousTolerance.org

“Solstice” is derived from two Latin words: “sol” meaning sun, and “sistere,” to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it “stands still.”

In Medieval Times, and well, even way before medieval times people were connected with the earth and the world around them. They had a perspective on things that we seem to have lost today. For them, summer was a beautiful time of plentiful sunlight, long days, and plenty of food growing in the fields. For us it’s a time for a jaunt to the beach or a weeks vacation! Maybe a couple of good three day weekends.

Many ancient cultures celebrated the Summer solstice in a variety of ways ranging from feasts to bonfires and the event had many interesting names including The Feast of Epona and the Light of the Shore. And even though we are not as connected to the world around us as the people of the middle ages were we still can feel many of their thoughts and beliefs to this day - The solstice celebration at stonehenge is a good example of that.

 You can learn more about the summer solstice here The Summer Solstice

 Sidebar: Tomorrow I will be posting an essay about knights and how their influence still remains with us today

 Anyway, I recommend you throw open the windows and let down the screens of your little castle and enjoy the summer solstice. And just think about the amazing heritage of philosophy, art, tradition and lore that has been passed down to us from the people of the past.

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