The official Summer Solstice usually falls sometime on June 21st. Midsummer's Night has customarily been celebrated on June 23rd. Since the two events are closely related, it's a perfect reason to put on a three-day festival!

The origins of the Solstice celebration are rooted in agriculture and human reaction to the changing seasons. Midsummer was a time when the weather was pleasant and the living was easy, since the crops had been planted and the harvest was not due for months. Thus, the longest day of the year was a perfect time to celebrate freedom from both the harshness of the elements and the hard work of farming, and to indulge in a little hard-earned Leisure.

Midsummer Night is for debauchery and revelry, often of the drunken type. Being at the height of summer, it's also closely connected to fertility rites and various kinds of hanky-panky. Think Bacchus, think bonfire, think Tiki torches and mixed drinks! It's a good time for summertime parties and making new, deranged friends under the glow of the shortest moon.

Resources

• About the Solstice